It is sad to note how a Senator who can receive advanced care denies care of others.
16
MEDICARE FOR ALL
10
So ironic that a man with serious health issues would travel across the country to do as much damage to his constituents as possible. Millions of people will suffer because the Republicans will never have a better healthcare plan because caring about the health of others is the opposite of what they stand for. Millions of people will lose their health insurance and Trump calls it "spectacular." If you vote for these wretched people don't be surprised when your loved ones get sick and can't get treatment. Don't be surprised when your children are diagnosed with serious health issues and they can't get coverage.
Trump was, as always, lying when he said he would give "everyone" "great" health care plans. He doesn't know, because he doesn't read, what is in the abomination of a healthcare bill they are debating.
Trump was, as always, lying when he said he would give "everyone" "great" health care plans. He doesn't know, because he doesn't read, what is in the abomination of a healthcare bill they are debating.
9
Senator McCain back from the hospital and his first vote us to make it possible to deny millions of other Americans healthcare insurance.
Ironic, no? And profoundly sad...
Ironic, no? And profoundly sad...
6
I guess Trump was right about McCain, he isn't a hero after all.
6
Despicable and disgusting . How McCain could vote to take away healthcare for millions despite his platinum care is beyond me. Hero he is not.
Leave it to the 2 Republican female senators to have compassion and integrity .
As for the rest : no morals , no integrity , no courage .
I'm a masters degree prepared nurse . We need one payor in this country . Health care is a right .
Leave it to the 2 Republican female senators to have compassion and integrity .
As for the rest : no morals , no integrity , no courage .
I'm a masters degree prepared nurse . We need one payor in this country . Health care is a right .
9
Agreed, we need single payer if we are ever to get control (costs) over our healthcare system.
Otherwise, we (citizens) will continue to be subjected to the abusive capitalism system we currently "enjoy".
In fairness to McCain he did make the point that he would not vote for this bill in its present form. Really they voted to now debate the issue that at least exposes this abomination to public scrutiny.
Otherwise, we (citizens) will continue to be subjected to the abusive capitalism system we currently "enjoy".
In fairness to McCain he did make the point that he would not vote for this bill in its present form. Really they voted to now debate the issue that at least exposes this abomination to public scrutiny.
1
Just curious - Does Mitch McConell have teeth?
3
A beak.
2
Sorry, John. Your glioblastoma counts as a pre-existing condition, and therefore not covered by Trumpcare.
6
The Republican Party is poised to radically change how healthcare is delivered in America and the adverse effects of their efforts will flow through the economy. Every American who opposes this monstrosity needs to write and call their Senators and voice their objections...now.
2
Simple solution: take away all health coverage for members of Congress. Then we see what happens.
7
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the only Republican Senators who stood by the principles of not wanting to debate legislation that will harm the poor, older folks (but not yet old enough to qualify for Medicare), and women were Collins and Murkowski.
McCain, suffering from brain cancer, had no problem debating legislation that will likely increase medical bankruptcies, especially for those with conditions similar to his, but who aren't gifted with an adequate, affirable health plan that he's lucky to have. Undoubtedly, the irony escapes him.
McCain, suffering from brain cancer, had no problem debating legislation that will likely increase medical bankruptcies, especially for those with conditions similar to his, but who aren't gifted with an adequate, affirable health plan that he's lucky to have. Undoubtedly, the irony escapes him.
5
The votes are in. Particular shame on Senator McCain. While no one with heart would wish his illness on him -- he failed to appreciate that it is his privilege courtesy of our American tax dollars - and not the privilege and ability of all Americans, to have received and to continue to receive, the best of our American health care. Shame.
5
One of the tenants of conservative thinking is belief in a "Just World." For instance, the rich have succeeded because they have some special attributes (smarter, harder working, favored by God because of their righteousness). Therefore, I would imagine that McCain would believe that he earned his right to good health care by being elected to Congress and would not find it difficult to remove health care from people who were born without as much intelligence, work-ethic, or righteousness as himself. This is explained well in the book "Our Political Nature." Because of this belief system, we can predict that conservatives naturally favor the rich (who they view as worthy) and will act to remove support from the poor (who they view as lacking value). Only during elections do they feign to care about the middle class and the poor. Interestingly, being poor is not a contraindication to subscribing to the notion of a "Just World". One can be poor and conservative--believing the rich (like Trump) have special abilities and that the poor do not deserve any assistance. Once we are aware of this fundamental belief of conservativism, we should all be able to predict conservative legislative behavior, even if we are not convinced of the world view.
1
Yayyy!!! Americans won't have to pay to cover ILLEGAL ALIENS ANYMORE! Hallelujah!
This is the most ridiculous response. I work in healthcare and we cannot insure illegal individuals in this country - I can't even refer them to insurance specialists at my hospital or get them home care as they cannot be insured unless they've met criteria worthy of becoming legal. Educate yourself. If you are referring to paying for them in the ERs, well hate to burst your bubble, but we were always paying for the care of uninsured in that regard - costs all get passed on to the taxpayers.
5
Unbelievable. McCain. A diagnosis of cancer should've brought some sense of purpose. We cannot judge each other, but I wonder how you will explain your vote when the time comes. People in this country will suffer in ways that you and your family cannot imagine.
4
Senator McCain, Your presence might be taken advantage of in ways you do not intend. How this plays out can put a label on you for what you stood for. The best choice can very well be not to participate in something, which flares of doubt. Leave McConnell alone this time. Tweaking Obamacare is better than replace.
The Democrats passed the Republican/Romney/Heritage Fund Healthcare plan and the Republicans refused the necessary fixes because....well we all know why....
Now EVERY Democrat needs to push for single payer.
And Shame on McCain and every, yes EVERY Republican member of Congress.
Now EVERY Democrat needs to push for single payer.
And Shame on McCain and every, yes EVERY Republican member of Congress.
4
Just like those who voted for the war in Iraq, and those who fought against the Civil Rights Amendment, children in history class will look back on these buffoons and wonder what was going through their mind when they supported such an evil cause. I will sleep better knowing I side on the right side of history.
1
McCain has to make another tough decision now.
Which of his seven houses shall he go to to rest.
Which of his seven houses shall he go to to rest.
6
Let's just call it the "Death to America Act". We can name if after Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. With an assist from from Ruhollah Khomeini.
3
Watching McCain right now, great speech!
1
mccain, recipient of government healthcare, votes to take healthcare away from people who voted for him. also, sarah palin
1
Ironic that a man with a terminal cancer diagnosis voted to take healthcare away from millions of Americans. Only in America.
2
I fail to understand why the NYT and Democrats are so afraid to open debate on this issue. It would seem like a great opportunity for Senators on all sides to explain what they want to do, why, and why the other side is wrong. Who knows? Perhaps the American public will pay attention to what is going on and put pressure on all concerned to come up with a better solution than either Obamacare or Trumpcare.
There is no red line for politicians without conscience. There aren't enough pitchforks for this Cabal.
3
John McCain: Health care for me but not thee. Or, how to go from being an honorable patriot to a despicable toady. Don't even expect us to read an obituary that extols this man's bravery. It went up in the smoke of rich boy entitlement and political cowardice a long time ago.
5
Senator Capito just caved to the pressure. Her day is done.
3
Being a Senator doesn't require a working brain.
2
What a sick charade! I have NO respect for the leadership of this Congress. They are beyond despicable...and, yes, you work for us not your funders.
2
Now that he voted the way he did, anyone who will still highly of this horrible person can perhaps change their minds. If he is a believer, let him answer the question when it is posed to him: were you a good man?
1
Senator McCain, it is so painful to see you do this. Your vote today is perhaps the biggest and most embarrassing mistake of your political career. It is also morally indefensible.
6
McCain betrayed the citizens of Arizona with his vote. I have nothing but contempt and disrespect for this man.
2
Interesting point, considering you live in Colorado (for the public-school-educated masses, Denver is not in Arizona...)
Am I to understand that the liberals put their hopes on a terminal cancer diagnosis? Wow.
Elections have consequences... you said that yourselves.
Am I to understand that the liberals put their hopes on a terminal cancer diagnosis? Wow.
Elections have consequences... you said that yourselves.
..actually you are quoting your war criminal bushitter, who as his father warned, destabilized entire Middle-East and world, then allowed-enabled Wall $treet $690 trillion economic disaster:
https://www.thenation.com/article/why-fdic-insuring-jamie-dimons-mistakes/
https://www.thenation.com/article/why-fdic-insuring-jamie-dimons-mistakes/
1
I wish Sen. McCain the best of luck in his fight with cancer. Gee - I hope he has good health insurance.
2
STOP calling it trump care coming from Trump it's NO care.
Trump ,have you ever opened your mouth when a lie did not come from it?
Your tweets continue to be garbage.you are trying to kill Obama care,why
Because he was and will ever be so many times smarter then you will ever be
Trump ,have you ever opened your mouth when a lie did not come from it?
Your tweets continue to be garbage.you are trying to kill Obama care,why
Because he was and will ever be so many times smarter then you will ever be
What about Senate parliamentarian's ruling you covered earlier in the week?
Will/can Dems use this to force 60 votes on bill?
Will/can Dems use this to force 60 votes on bill?
2
"ObamaCare is torturing the American People", Trump writes ... as his own GOP destroys the lives of tens of millions of Americans, all while exempting themselves from the bill they want to debate and pass.
SHAME ON YOU Trump!!
SHAME ON YOU Trump!!
1
So disgusted by the Republicans. My only hope is in the Judiciary. The Senate and the House only care about themselves.
1
..unfortunately, the libertarian "warring faction" of republican party has now control of around 40% of state judiciaries, leading towards "Constitutional Convention": https://www.democracynow.org/2017/6/29/republicans_have_trifecta_control...
The senators whose states expanded medacaid under ACA, or who are facing extreme opioid crises, and voted yes today: Be ashamed of yourself. You were elected into office to represent your state and make every decision in their best interest, not advanced your own ideologies or political agenda.
2
Well John I think it is time for you to turn in your "maverick" card, because you have just betrayed everything you ever stood for.
4
I am probably going to die in the next few years because I was stupid/or unfortunate enough to try and follow my entrepreneurial dreams while living with a chronic illness like Systemic Lupus; how silly me for daring to go after a life goal. I am currently uninsured and have been extremely sick for at least 6 months and I could go on and on with the litany of woes, but it doesn't really suit me well. Most who read this comment section won't care or relate because at the end of the day, it's my fault for daring to pursue a goal and getting sick whilst doing so. I am of the great undeserving, I guess because I didn't plan well enough, bootstrap, work hard enough, not born rich/white enough, or whatever buzz terms can be applied to discredit my humanity.
It's the way my cookie crumbled. Rest assured, if things don't change I'll surely be physically dead by 2020 ,barely into my 40s. I am already financially dead. Melodramatic as it seems, it is not my intent.
I have tried to hope for and wish for the better impulses of my fellow Americans, those in government and everyday citizenry, but I am constantly disappointed. I've given up on hoping.I have accepted my probable impending demise , formerly the perpetual optimist. I,quite ashamedly, have to admit to feeling a little better knowing that those who feel nothing but apathy towards others in situations like mine will be touched by demise too, though they refuse to see it. I hope I survive long enough to see it begin.
It's the way my cookie crumbled. Rest assured, if things don't change I'll surely be physically dead by 2020 ,barely into my 40s. I am already financially dead. Melodramatic as it seems, it is not my intent.
I have tried to hope for and wish for the better impulses of my fellow Americans, those in government and everyday citizenry, but I am constantly disappointed. I've given up on hoping.I have accepted my probable impending demise , formerly the perpetual optimist. I,quite ashamedly, have to admit to feeling a little better knowing that those who feel nothing but apathy towards others in situations like mine will be touched by demise too, though they refuse to see it. I hope I survive long enough to see it begin.
4
Mont Pelerin Society Koch Bros. libertarian “neoliberalism”:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/15/neoliberalism-ideology-pro...
Neoliberalism sees competition as the defining characteristic of human relations. It redefines citizens as consumers; It maintains that “the market” delivers benefits that could never be achieved by planning.
Attempts to limit competition are treated as inimical to liberty. Tax and regulation should be minimised, public services should be privatised. The organisation of labour and collective bargaining by trade unions are portrayed as market distortions that impede the formation of a natural hierarchy of winners and losers. The market ensures that everyone gets what they deserve.
The term neoliberalism was coined at a meeting in Paris in 1938. Among the delegates were two men who came to define the ideology, Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek.
The movement’s rich backers funded a series of thinktanks which would refine and promote the ideology. Among them were the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Centre for Policy Studies and the Adam Smith Institute. They also financed academic positions and departments, particularly at the universities of Chicago and Virginia, leading to Milton Friedman – the belief that monopoly power could be seen as a reward for efficiency.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/15/neoliberalism-ideology-pro...
Neoliberalism sees competition as the defining characteristic of human relations. It redefines citizens as consumers; It maintains that “the market” delivers benefits that could never be achieved by planning.
Attempts to limit competition are treated as inimical to liberty. Tax and regulation should be minimised, public services should be privatised. The organisation of labour and collective bargaining by trade unions are portrayed as market distortions that impede the formation of a natural hierarchy of winners and losers. The market ensures that everyone gets what they deserve.
The term neoliberalism was coined at a meeting in Paris in 1938. Among the delegates were two men who came to define the ideology, Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek.
The movement’s rich backers funded a series of thinktanks which would refine and promote the ideology. Among them were the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Centre for Policy Studies and the Adam Smith Institute. They also financed academic positions and departments, particularly at the universities of Chicago and Virginia, leading to Milton Friedman – the belief that monopoly power could be seen as a reward for efficiency.
1
To paraphrase the crowd when Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, "Let their blood be on our hands..."
The real Death panel has just voted.
The real Death panel has just voted.
4
Oh, Senator McCain, did you really just travel across the country to cast what may be the final vote in your long and distinguished Senate career in order to deprive tens of millions of your fellow Americans of health care? Sad to say, this is what I will remember you for, and I don't think I am alone.
4
Now comes the part where we decide for once and for all that America exists to serve the 1%.
1
I vote to cancel John McCa's healthcare insurance because he has a preexisting condition. Moreover, all legislators should be subject to the individual market. Due to their high salaries,they should be excluded from Medicare
4
It's official. The GOP is now going to have to explain to Americans how taking away their health insurance is good for America while the same folks doing the explaining are also still covered by their wonderful 100%-taxpayer-funded health plan. Making America great again, indeed!
31
Congressional Republicans have no intention of repealing or replacing the ACA. These votes are nothing more than gestures aimed at their hard-core base. Even if the Senate passes this bill, it still needs to be reconciled with the House bill. The chances of both chambers agreeing seem pretty slim to me.
I sense a flag-burning amendment coming.
I sense a flag-burning amendment coming.
4
Hardly. What in recent history would give you that wrong impression? The GOP is passing legislation for sure. The Senate will pass a brutal bill and the House will race to embrace it. they will probably make it even more right wing in conference committee - why wouldn't they?
They will all fall in line for fear of being primaried by a candidate more to their right. They always do.
They will all fall in line for fear of being primaried by a candidate more to their right. They always do.
1
I simply don't understand how the republicans can't see that when they kill health insurance for 20 million Americans they are toast in 2018. Are the promises of lucrative lobbying jobs post-election loss (after delivering the $770 Billion in tax cuts for the wealthy) their real motivation?
11
I do not support anything but a full committee process to develop a bill and treating that as a normal piece of legislation not using the reconciliation process. This is too important to make so partisan.
5
Repeal and Replace the GOP.
31
Honestly can't believe McCain, Graham and Paul voted for that bill. And I was just starting to respect Graham and McCain as human-beings. So much for that
19
Sen. McCain I would never vote to take away someones health care as you just did. My son is a doctor at a county hospital, until the Affordable Heath Care Act., people would come into the emergency room with stage four cancer. They didn't have insurance and waited too late. The working poor are in need of our help. Some of them have insurance for the first time in their working life. I hope this is not your last vote.
28
A complete disservice was done to the American people today. That no senator knew exactly what they were voting on prior to the vote is simply amazing. Healthcare is a life and death issue. Partisanship and intelligent ignorance led by our President is leading this country downward. Our democracy is under attack internally and they is no one in Washington who seems to care!
18
Really appreciate McCain dragging himself off his deathbed and flying across country to take away the insurance from tens of millions of Americans and drive tens of millions more to the financial brink to keep what insurance they can.
31
Don't forget. Once you sold your soul to the devil you cannot get it back. McCain is simply paying his dues to the Beelzebub.
He gets NO RESPECT for his appalling action.
Despite an impassioned speech, he turned on the majority of the American people.
Despite an impassioned speech, he turned on the majority of the American people.
GOPcare - All Koch, all of the time!
10
It's all so gross! If this horrible bill passes in whatever form, it is the end of democracy, because what this is, is payback for the monied interests who have supported the Republicans and the President. The point: they want a huge tax cut for the rich
11
Mitch McConnell convenes Death Panel.
15
USA which keeps hectoring the entire world about human rights is so hell bent on denying and or limiting basic right to decent medical coverage is just mind boggling.
17
What a shame. Only two Republican Senators willing to demonstrate decency and humanity.
This calls to mind the Iron-Eyes Cody commercial with the tear drop. Rather than *Keep America Beautify*, our collective lament is now *Save America From Itself*.
This calls to mind the Iron-Eyes Cody commercial with the tear drop. Rather than *Keep America Beautify*, our collective lament is now *Save America From Itself*.
6
I think Mike Pence is going to be quite surprised when the Jesus he meets when he dies, isn't the Jesus he thinks is going to greet him with showers of roses.
And I have no words for John McCain that you can print.
And I have no words for John McCain that you can print.
26
to borrow from Mark Twain "If I could, I would send him a fan."
Please this McCain/Maverick narrative is worthy of the WWF.
And just as phony.
John McCain has been a Republican lemming since he was caught in the S & L
scandal. He will do as his Commander and Chief orders him to do.
He will lead to charge to toss millions of US citizens off insurance and pass this massive tax cut bill to his country club buddies.
And just as phony.
John McCain has been a Republican lemming since he was caught in the S & L
scandal. He will do as his Commander and Chief orders him to do.
He will lead to charge to toss millions of US citizens off insurance and pass this massive tax cut bill to his country club buddies.
9
I have just lost all respect for John McCain.
How anyone with his diagnosis, but with the means to afford treatment, can deny the same benefits to millions, is acting with pure cowardice, if not ruthlessness. He knows what odds he is up against now with this cancer, and I wouid think that would have been a divine wake-up call.
No -- again, party before country, from someone whose campaign slogan was "America First."
Never thought I'd use "coward" in the same sentence with "McCain," but there it is.
How anyone with his diagnosis, but with the means to afford treatment, can deny the same benefits to millions, is acting with pure cowardice, if not ruthlessness. He knows what odds he is up against now with this cancer, and I wouid think that would have been a divine wake-up call.
No -- again, party before country, from someone whose campaign slogan was "America First."
Never thought I'd use "coward" in the same sentence with "McCain," but there it is.
21
In re Trump's tweet
"ObamaCare is torturing the American People [sic]"??? No…
Torture is what it felt like for a decade, being the self-employed owner of a small business who couldn't afford insurance for himself, let alone for his employees. The brief period pre-ACA that I secured private insurance, I discovered too late that for the over $600 I paid monthly, the insurer would contest every medical claim submitted and would seldom make even partial payments towards care. The experience nearly bankrupted me and my firm. I had to let people go and scale the business down, purely on account of this shoddy insurer.
Torture is what John McCain — who Donald Trump mocked — endured as a prisoner of war … which you would think would make McCain more capable of empathy, but he is flying to D.C. despite a diagnosis of brain cancer *just* to take my coverage away.
Torture is what President Trump submits the English language to every time he opens his mouth to speak or slides open his cellphone to tweet: spelling errors, non sequiturs, random capitalizations and all.
Torture is these last six months, all of us sucked into a wormhole that's apparently opened up, sucked us in, and plopped us — mentally physically and spiritually spaghettified — into this surreal alternate universe where red state America has propelled a bigoted, misogynist, multiply-bankrupt TV reality show host into the White House on the strength of his "tweets."
Come midterm elections, I hope these tortures end.
"ObamaCare is torturing the American People [sic]"??? No…
Torture is what it felt like for a decade, being the self-employed owner of a small business who couldn't afford insurance for himself, let alone for his employees. The brief period pre-ACA that I secured private insurance, I discovered too late that for the over $600 I paid monthly, the insurer would contest every medical claim submitted and would seldom make even partial payments towards care. The experience nearly bankrupted me and my firm. I had to let people go and scale the business down, purely on account of this shoddy insurer.
Torture is what John McCain — who Donald Trump mocked — endured as a prisoner of war … which you would think would make McCain more capable of empathy, but he is flying to D.C. despite a diagnosis of brain cancer *just* to take my coverage away.
Torture is what President Trump submits the English language to every time he opens his mouth to speak or slides open his cellphone to tweet: spelling errors, non sequiturs, random capitalizations and all.
Torture is these last six months, all of us sucked into a wormhole that's apparently opened up, sucked us in, and plopped us — mentally physically and spiritually spaghettified — into this surreal alternate universe where red state America has propelled a bigoted, misogynist, multiply-bankrupt TV reality show host into the White House on the strength of his "tweets."
Come midterm elections, I hope these tortures end.
22
Well said. And, as usual, the insurance industry AVOIDS retribution caused by their lobbying and shenanigans behind the scenes. It's disgusting that this greedy sector of the American economy gets a free pass for problems it has caused in the name of profit, instead of care for all.
I almost feel that all democrats should vote yes.
First off, it will completely shake the GOP to its core and force Trump to either completely ignore the dem votes or praise them, both of which will rattle him to his core
Secondly, it forces open more debates about how bad the GOP plans are and how many people will get screwed
And third: think of the ads for elections. Drums wanted debate, we are open to talking. Look at GoP, they wanted to take all this away. Etc etc
But then again, allowing the debate may lead to worse outcomes.
First off, it will completely shake the GOP to its core and force Trump to either completely ignore the dem votes or praise them, both of which will rattle him to his core
Secondly, it forces open more debates about how bad the GOP plans are and how many people will get screwed
And third: think of the ads for elections. Drums wanted debate, we are open to talking. Look at GoP, they wanted to take all this away. Etc etc
But then again, allowing the debate may lead to worse outcomes.
4
McCain voted Yes for millions to loose their health coverage but he's got his.....he is a hero no more.
14
I feel like I'm watching a dramedy..a government led by a navel gazing man/child, riding roughshod over his
Fraidy cat minions who
Are trying to pass a no-healthcare bill to kill Obamacare.
Fraidy cat minions who
Are trying to pass a no-healthcare bill to kill Obamacare.
4
Trump has no bloody shame: he tweets that McCain is coming back to vote - "Brave - American Hero" he says.
Well be brave, John McCain, and vote no. Do the right thing for your Country...the bonus will be in spiting trump who has no respect for you or anybody else, and certainly has no interest or care for the healthcare the people do or do not have....he wants only to get his photo taken, again, while handing out pens.
Vote no... then let's see what his tweets will have to say about how "brave" you are.
Well be brave, John McCain, and vote no. Do the right thing for your Country...the bonus will be in spiting trump who has no respect for you or anybody else, and certainly has no interest or care for the healthcare the people do or do not have....he wants only to get his photo taken, again, while handing out pens.
Vote no... then let's see what his tweets will have to say about how "brave" you are.
5
'Crooked', 'Lyin' etc are words that the *president likes to use to describe people. Now he can add 'Racist' Mitch to his list. The republicans cannot stand anything that that 'Other' President put forward. It really galls me that because they are the 'Racist' party, they are going to give a YUGE tax break to the richest among us and take insurance away from 20 million people just because they cannot stand people who are not like them.
What a way to MAGA!
What a way to MAGA!
3
This is a giveaway to the Rich & Corporations, we are part of the 3rd world now!!
4
This is excellent. The former hero McCain dragging his sorry rich white butt across America in what may be the final defining act of his life to lower the boom on the hopes, the dreams, the health, the very lives of the Americans he swore as a Senator to preserve.
Its not much of a surprise, but at least now we know what he thinks of us. And of his country.
Its not much of a surprise, but at least now we know what he thinks of us. And of his country.
18
Folks, when are you all going to learn NEVER under ANY circumstance vote for a Republican. They are the WORST types of Animals I have ever seen. Start opening you checkbooks now and start funding Progressive and Democratic candidates. Only when the GOP gets the butt kicking they deserve, will they ever do right by the American people who pay them and their benefits. If McCain votes yes, he is NO hero. He is a ZERO in my book.
4
So, McCain is going to vote to deprive health insurance to poor people and children who may be suffering from the same disease as McCain so that millionaires and billionaires can get a tax break while McCain will continue to get 5 Star, Gold-platted healthcare treatment for his cancer funded by tax payers.
Why worry about the Poor when GOP can feed phony religious rhetoric to the poor, get their votes and screw them by enabling transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich (i.e. themselves) while taking a moral high-ground in terms of pretending to espouse Christian values. It's a Win-Win-Win-Win for Republicans and Screwed-Screwed-Screwed-Screwed for the poor voters who Republican until they wake up.
Why worry about the Poor when GOP can feed phony religious rhetoric to the poor, get their votes and screw them by enabling transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich (i.e. themselves) while taking a moral high-ground in terms of pretending to espouse Christian values. It's a Win-Win-Win-Win for Republicans and Screwed-Screwed-Screwed-Screwed for the poor voters who Republican until they wake up.
8
The only procedural vote invoked today should be for the Articles of Impeachment for this President!
Hands off of Obamacare! It's the only thing that halfway works in this country!! The nerve of you to even bring such a calamitous Bill to the floor of the Senate! You should be discussing amongst yourselves how to survive as a Republican species, because after this week your decline into the dustbin of history is inevitable.
Start working with Democrats to create something GOOD for the country!
Hands off of Obamacare! It's the only thing that halfway works in this country!! The nerve of you to even bring such a calamitous Bill to the floor of the Senate! You should be discussing amongst yourselves how to survive as a Republican species, because after this week your decline into the dustbin of history is inevitable.
Start working with Democrats to create something GOOD for the country!
4
If McCain votes for the GOP scam at least he can blame the brain cancer.
What about all the others?
What about all the others?
2
Republican COWARDS.
Provide the same Health Care YOU get to the rest of us.
No?
Then GET OUT of Congress.
Provide the same Health Care YOU get to the rest of us.
No?
Then GET OUT of Congress.
4
McCain gets out of an insurance-covered sickbed, marches in and votes yes on this disgusting denial of health care to others. Disgusting.
4
I voted for Obama in 2008. Today I regret that vote.
Our classiest and bravest senator is about to vote.
To John McCain...
All the best... I have been there... cancer 4x
A brain tumor today - not malignant ... I took radiation in 1998. It shrank...
Senator, my deepest respect.
Sandy
Our classiest and bravest senator is about to vote.
To John McCain...
All the best... I have been there... cancer 4x
A brain tumor today - not malignant ... I took radiation in 1998. It shrank...
Senator, my deepest respect.
Sandy
McCain may have been brave in Vietnam, but he was a coward on this vote. He voted "yes" in order to guarantee military contract pork for his state. McCain is a war-mongering hawk, and I dare say a traitor to anyone who loses health care as a result of his vote.
Being a hero in one situation does not make one a hero in all situations.
Being a hero in one situation does not make one a hero in all situations.
1
My father succumbed to the same diagnosis Sen. McCain has received. I wish he and his family the best through this dreadful disease. I would not wish it in anyone. I do see the pinnacle of GOP cynicism that a Senator who has enjoyed the finest health care literally cradle to grave given by the US government, may cast and inspire other GOP Senators to vote against the ACA. The ACA would provide thousands of Americans AND their families with similar conditions from financial destruction and a modicum of decent care. Time to put Americans before party.
1
A herd of sheeple ... the pretense that it's "only a vote to allow debate" is just moral cowards looking for an excuse to be seen as moral cowards. They don't even know what's in it but they vote for it.
4
Does Trump have mental health care? He needs it.
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Trump's unending determination to destroy Obama Care and Obama everything is nuts. Why? Where is the sanity? This is war, uncivil war against the nation.
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Trump's unending determination to destroy Obama Care and Obama everything is nuts. Why? Where is the sanity? This is war, uncivil war against the nation.
5
I can't stop shaking my head and chuckling. McCain returns triumphantly to Capitol Hill having just enjoyed the finest healthcare paid for by the very citizens who's healthcare he and his cronies are gathered to vote down.
This is actually completely insane. This is partisanship at its absolute worst. Shame on all of you.
This is actually completely insane. This is partisanship at its absolute worst. Shame on all of you.
14
No chuckling here. McCain has disgraced himself once again. I remember him on TV when the Vietnamese got him to speak out against the US. I knew it was a tough call on his part but unlike his fellow prisoners he caved. We forgave, turned him into a war hero and elected him Senator. Then he disgraced himself a second time in the Keating scandal. We forgave and elected him again because he was, well, a war hero. Then he selected Sarah Palin as his running mate once more debasing himself. We forgave and elected him again because he was, well, to some accounts a war hero. Now the man lying in bed with cancer receiving the best federally funded health care rises from his bed and comes to Washington to begin the process of taking healthcare away from millions thereby disgracing himself once again. How long can we hold out and believe that Senator McCain is an honorable man. He's not. He keeps revealing his true character. The person who broke all principle and sold out on Vietnamese TV is the same person who could get cancer treatment one day and sell out Americans in need of health care to his Party the next. We keep refusing to see the truth about the man. Sad!
1
The process is becoming more shameful everytime Mitch is attempting to get a vote. Just despicable.
2
What a waste of time and money this Congress is. Disgraceful.
3
This betrayal of the American people will go down in infamy
4
Trump said he preferred heroes who "didn't come back". Obviously McCain is a hero when Traitor Trump needs him to be.
And how nice that Senator McCain gets such good medical care that he can travel across the country with brain cancer in order to cast a vote AGAINST the rest of Americans from receiving the same good care. Shameful, John, shameful!!
And how nice that Senator McCain gets such good medical care that he can travel across the country with brain cancer in order to cast a vote AGAINST the rest of Americans from receiving the same good care. Shameful, John, shameful!!
4
I am nauseous.
6
John I hope you have the starch to vote right on this. Americans, by and large, only wanted one thing repealed from the ACA. That one thing was the payment of crushing premiums. Nobody in their right mind thinks, "ill never get sick or have an accident". What they DO think is "I have a car payment, rent and groceries to buy. Where am I going to get $1,000 a month for health insurance"??
It all goes back to the notion that a single payer program is the ONLY acceptable method to provide universal, transportable coverage to every citizen so they have the freedom to change jobs or move where the jobs are. To do less is a disservice to all.
It all goes back to the notion that a single payer program is the ONLY acceptable method to provide universal, transportable coverage to every citizen so they have the freedom to change jobs or move where the jobs are. To do less is a disservice to all.
2
When an American war hero, suffering from an almost certain death sentence from brain cancer gets off his sick bed to vote on a secret Senate bill that most certainly will take quality health insurance from tens of millions of poor Americans and make the rich richer you know all you need to know about the systemic risks to the American society.
Wake up Senator McCain! What would Christ do?
Wake up Senator McCain! What would Christ do?
5
John McCain, American hero, recipient of the best of medical care for a brain tumor, votes with the crowd that is intent on eliminating insurance for millions. A startling, sudden fall from grace.
7
Seeing McConnell with that grin on his face makes my skin crawl. He never seems happy unless he's hurting someone.
5
I've certainly never understood the "hero" and "integrity" labels he seems to pick up with regularity. Just because one wore a uniform at one time doesn't make one a saint. Especially with his record.
1
The voters of Kentucky, West Virginia, and many many more states must be in rapture
The President they love and are devoted to is closer to removing their medical care in the name of tax cuts for the rich
Such a happy day for them all!
The President they love and are devoted to is closer to removing their medical care in the name of tax cuts for the rich
Such a happy day for them all!
6
It seems that McConnell is offering a Hobson's choice: take a Republican-only-developed plan (or just repeal with no replacement), with no bipartisan input, or nothing. Assuming a sufficient number of moderate Republicans hold to the principle of caring about their poorer or older constituents, not just exclusive to their own states' interests, but also in the national interest, none of the alternatives offered thus far will pass.
I believe there is a bipartisan consensus that the ACA needs fixing, and not at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens. That common ground would provide the basis of a coalition that could create a passable bill.
The idea that healthcare is just another commodity, subject to the whims of the dominant political party of the moment, isn't just a meritless idea, but a dangerous one. The stakes are grave: people's lives.
For once, let's just admit that affordable, adequate healthcare is a basic right for all and strive to attain that. This means both Republicans and Democrats sacrificing political ideology for a far greater goal. Idealistic? Yes, but we have to try.
I believe there is a bipartisan consensus that the ACA needs fixing, and not at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens. That common ground would provide the basis of a coalition that could create a passable bill.
The idea that healthcare is just another commodity, subject to the whims of the dominant political party of the moment, isn't just a meritless idea, but a dangerous one. The stakes are grave: people's lives.
For once, let's just admit that affordable, adequate healthcare is a basic right for all and strive to attain that. This means both Republicans and Democrats sacrificing political ideology for a far greater goal. Idealistic? Yes, but we have to try.
The BIG LIE is that there is such thing as Health insurance.
An insurance policy is a GAMBLE between two parties that the policy WILL or WILL NOT be needed.
No one gets out alive—medical costs will be incurred at some point so there is NO GAMBLE.
An insurance policy is a GAMBLE between two parties that the policy WILL or WILL NOT be needed.
No one gets out alive—medical costs will be incurred at some point so there is NO GAMBLE.
Republican lawmakers were very anxious to repeal and replace Obama and the voters expected them to fulfill their promise. It they do nothing and fail to pass this upcoming bill, it will have negative consequences for them in the upcoming elections. They were very much against Obamacare when it first was introduced. Why are they hesitant now to pass this bill? Are they getting cold feet? This will not please their supporters.
It should read "repeal and replace Obamacare." Sorry for the omission.
McCain probably has a platinum health plan and is about to remove basic health care for millions of USA citizens.
====
E Pulribus Unum: does not look that way
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E Pulribus Unum: does not look that way
3
So how will Senator McCain vote? Considering his condition its unlikely he will be around for the debate if this goes forward. Will his current health crisis shape his vote to force compromise with moderates and Democrats or will he sell the rest of us out to Trump & McConnell & the Tea party house. Baited breath anyone.
John McCain has now firmly established that heroes may have clay feet.
2
This could be a real "Profiles in Courage" moment for John McCain....or a moment of total ignominy. The issue before the Senate: why shouldn't every American have the health coverage you have? Anything less than that will be a failure.
5
Senator McCain,
Please remember your friend Ted Kennedy who had the same health challenge you now face. You know what Ted would be asking you to do today!
Please remember your friend Ted Kennedy who had the same health challenge you now face. You know what Ted would be asking you to do today!
Dear Congress: how about we all get YOUR health coverage, 'k?
John McCain rode into town with a brain cancer to make sure very few will ever be able to afford the kind of medical care he is getting. Profile in cruelty.
3
If McCain votes agains healthcare for ordinary Americans, he will demolish what little is left of his reputation as a "hero."
Also, it will be fascinating to watch McCain attempt to justify why he deserves life-saving health care but 32 million other Americans do not.
Are there no longer any morally decent living Republicans?
Also, it will be fascinating to watch McCain attempt to justify why he deserves life-saving health care but 32 million other Americans do not.
Are there no longer any morally decent living Republicans?
2
Haha, I guess Trump can put this one down in the win column: passing a vote to continue talking about healthcare reform. This will go down as one of the pillars of his legacy. Twenty years from now Trump will still be talking about how he led in passing a vote to talk about healthcare reform... and hillary clinton... and how he won the "majority" vote in the election.
1
As a foreigner, I must say I am shocked that you have not one vote, one man,
By reading book Presidents from Stephen Graubard, this administration wouldn`t be writen well in history books. Previous administrations were much braver and more concerned about their citizens than now.
By reading book Presidents from Stephen Graubard, this administration wouldn`t be writen well in history books. Previous administrations were much braver and more concerned about their citizens than now.
1
The Maverick gallops back into town to… what? Close the community clinic? Save the Robber Barons from a menacing tax bill? McCain’s legacy would be forever salvaged if his final act were standing up to this crazed lynch mob. How about it, John? Help the rest of us pay for chemotherapy when WE need it.
McCain will choose party over country.
1
How many glioblastoma patients will McCain vote to deny care to ?
If, after a lifetime of receiving state-of-the-art health care on the taxpayer dime, and after the health-related events of the past two week, John McCain throws a vote to McConnell, I never want to hear the words "hero" or "integrity" or "patriot" ever again associated with his name.
1
Apparently Mr. McCain values health care for himself more than for his fellow Americans!
1
If Senator McCain (who has received THE BEST healthcare during his most recent cancer--and all his other pre-existing conditions) votes poor folks off the Medicare rolls, he is a hypocrite and a fool.
1
For taxpayer-funded government workers to tell the American people that good health insurance and good health care belong only to rugged individualists who pull themselves up by their own boot straps is the height of rank hypocrisy.
What is it with Trump supporters that they demand -DEMAND- to be worse off then the politicians whose salary and benefits they fund?
Where does this self-fulfilling contest come from, where one's level of patriotism is a function of the extent to which one suffers?
Good grief. For years, President Obama invited the Republicans to help him fix the flaws in the ACA, and every single Republican refused. For them to now whine that the ACA isn't working would be beyond laughable. if not for the fact that, at a minimum, little children and babies are about to be kicked off the only insurance they likely will ever know.
Shame on Republicans and their "pro life" lies.
What is it with Trump supporters that they demand -DEMAND- to be worse off then the politicians whose salary and benefits they fund?
Where does this self-fulfilling contest come from, where one's level of patriotism is a function of the extent to which one suffers?
Good grief. For years, President Obama invited the Republicans to help him fix the flaws in the ACA, and every single Republican refused. For them to now whine that the ACA isn't working would be beyond laughable. if not for the fact that, at a minimum, little children and babies are about to be kicked off the only insurance they likely will ever know.
Shame on Republicans and their "pro life" lies.
3
Western Europe, Canada, Japan, Israel all enjoy universal health care--Americans deserve the same quality care as people living in those countries, which costs less than the U.S. systems. Listen to Warren Buffet: health care costs the US 17% of its GNP, while care for all costs 6% of the GNP or less in the above mentioned countries. No one with access to universal health care would trade their system to adopt the U.S. system. Replace Obamacare with single payer health care, not with the nonsense the Republicans are proposing.
2
The Democrats need to become the party of single payer healthcare. Right now.
This cruel Republican experiment in revenge will hopefully go down to yet another defeat, but on the off-chance that they manage to push it through, the Democrats need to provide the American citizenry with a very clear alternative to vote for next year. Not just a return to Obamacare, which only ever existed as a failed attempt to compromise with those who refused to compromise (that would be the Republicans), but a step forward to finally join the civilized nations of the world in providing universal healthcare via a single payer.
As the Republicans have shown us very clearly, it is high time for Medicare for all.
This cruel Republican experiment in revenge will hopefully go down to yet another defeat, but on the off-chance that they manage to push it through, the Democrats need to provide the American citizenry with a very clear alternative to vote for next year. Not just a return to Obamacare, which only ever existed as a failed attempt to compromise with those who refused to compromise (that would be the Republicans), but a step forward to finally join the civilized nations of the world in providing universal healthcare via a single payer.
As the Republicans have shown us very clearly, it is high time for Medicare for all.
3
Hopefully the doctors removed McCain's tumor, not his conscience....
They removed what remained of his brain. There was never much there.
John McCain, in the midst of a personal health crisis, has health insurance entirely paid for by the taxpayers, and is rushing back to vote against millions of his fellow Americans also having taxpayer-subsidized health insurance. Disgusting.
3
So Senator McCain, benefiting from his deluxe government-supported health care, returns to DC to help deny many millions of Americans even minimal coverage. There's nothing heroic about that.
1
And, of course, the GOP senators have all played their roles and fallen in line and voted to open debate. They will surely pass legislation. The angst shown by a few GOP senators was - as always just theater. If they had needed 51 votes, Murkoski would have fallen in laine, and if they needed 52, Collins would have joined in. THEY ALWAYS DO.
And, it's a pity that McCain's dying legacy (yes, that is painful to write, but an ugly truth) will be to deprive Americans of the health care/health insurance he is currently consuming in epic proportions. Imagine if he had showed up today and elequently stood behind reforming the ACA, making it better, helping millions of Americans? How would he have been remembered then?
And, it's a pity that McCain's dying legacy (yes, that is painful to write, but an ugly truth) will be to deprive Americans of the health care/health insurance he is currently consuming in epic proportions. Imagine if he had showed up today and elequently stood behind reforming the ACA, making it better, helping millions of Americans? How would he have been remembered then?
1
Trump wants a win. McConnell wants a win. Ryan wants a win. So what if 22 million Americans lose.
2
We are watching the beginning of the end of GOP dominance on the American Electoral Map. The reality of losing health care is so harsh that people won't forget what GOP did when they got power.
1
As a strong supporter of single payer, I think it best that the Republicans pass their own version of health care reform. We already have the moderate Republican plan passed by the Democrats in 2009. Although an improvement over the healthcare we were getting before 2009, it is severely flawed.
With the new plans the present GOP have been backing, there is going to a significant decline in US health care as well as substantially increased costs for patients and increased strain on an already strained system. This will be the the final straw that ruptures our system completely. Perhaps we will be able to put together something that works from the rubble of this disaster.
Continuing to have the highest cost health care in the world with poor outcome data cannot continue indefinitely.
With the new plans the present GOP have been backing, there is going to a significant decline in US health care as well as substantially increased costs for patients and increased strain on an already strained system. This will be the the final straw that ruptures our system completely. Perhaps we will be able to put together something that works from the rubble of this disaster.
Continuing to have the highest cost health care in the world with poor outcome data cannot continue indefinitely.
1
Hopefully, Sen. McCain, who has just received world class government paid healthcare for his own medical problem will show empathy for all other Americans who face their own health problems.
Everyone voting today should be guided by the teaching, "There but for the Grace of God, go I."
Everyone voting today should be guided by the teaching, "There but for the Grace of God, go I."
1
I truly hope that John McCain can have some empathy for individuals facing significant medical challenges. Not all have the insurance and the options for treatment that he will most likely have access to for his brain cancer. We need to have healthcare that serves all people. The Republicans need to stop and reflect on why they are voting to repeal the ACA. Trying to improve it makes sense but the whole repeal/replace just seems like prideful politics.
Republicans simply lack the political courage to do the right thing when it is opposed by their right wing.
1
One great irony in all this political gamesmanship is that the Affordable Care Act - if properly tweaked and improved - is probably the Republicans' best hope of avoiding or postponing Single Payer. The ACA is a pretty conservative law and yet many Republicans are trying to squeeze into the cramped political space to the right of that law. If they succeed in replacing it with something that diminishes care with skyrocketing deductibles, thereby pushing millions of people off the roles, they are probably hastening the day when we junk the entire for-profit system (built by insurance companies) that has proved so unwieldy. (Going back to pre-Obamacare days is no remedy at all!)
If the GOP does not want a Single Payer system for ideological reasons (that are entirely divorced from the needs of our citizens), their best hope is to make the ACA work; not to trash it because President Obama's name is attached to it. Do they really think that the human suffering they are proposing and the off-the-charts lack of popular support for their ideas is a sane path forward? Do they really think they will not be held accountable? Do they really think they won't further enhance the case for Single Payer if they dismantle the ACA?
If the GOP does not want a Single Payer system for ideological reasons (that are entirely divorced from the needs of our citizens), their best hope is to make the ACA work; not to trash it because President Obama's name is attached to it. Do they really think that the human suffering they are proposing and the off-the-charts lack of popular support for their ideas is a sane path forward? Do they really think they will not be held accountable? Do they really think they won't further enhance the case for Single Payer if they dismantle the ACA?
1
For a really great country like the USA, the cultural capital of the world, a country I have visited to be impressed at how kind y'all are to the visitor, you sure do have a brutal health system. ALL OTHER MODERN WESTERN DEMOCRACIES have much better health systems. Why do you take that? Why not be kind to yourselves? Seems ideological. It's not socialist to look after each other with help from the government you pay for. Health care should be a right not just a football for ideology. Nobody is ridiculing you for it- we are concerned about you. With Trump peddling this savage proposal on the very people who voted for him, how come Paul Revere isn't riding around warning people? You have been hoodwinked. That so many can't see that is truly amazing. You need to get out more. Oh thats right you don't seem to realise that other comparable countries have decent holidays, wherein you can actually travel abroad a lot. After you pay for health insurance I guess you can't afford it. I travel the world a lot and one hardly ever meets travelling Americans. Sad but true.
There is kindness in personal interactions - but not in the reality of the political system. Our Nation is cruel, vindictive, petty and greedy. It also is violent.
This is a terrible waste of time and very gross, but the fact that the senators and congress people and their staffs get their health insurance through the exchange is not very well covered, to wit: several of the above comments have said that the senators should have to use Obamacare, etc. ( ACA (Section 1312(d)(3)(D))
I know Kochs et al want an end to ACA and the government in general, but these guys might want their excellent FEHBP benefits back too. I wish I could read more about that.
I know Kochs et al want an end to ACA and the government in general, but these guys might want their excellent FEHBP benefits back too. I wish I could read more about that.
1
Senator McCain,
One more time, do the impossible, as you did for your country in Vietnam. Do what's right, because it's hard. Vote against proceeding with debate on an invisible GOP health care bill.
One more time, do the impossible, as you did for your country in Vietnam. Do what's right, because it's hard. Vote against proceeding with debate on an invisible GOP health care bill.
This band of improvident lack-wits has succeeded in motivating me, a very small business owner, to expand by the end of this year so I can afford a group plan in 2018. This is appalling - before anyone asks, yes, I voted and not for the dumpster fire who currently occupies the White House. I do not take, nor have I ever taken, a dime of government subsidies for ACA premiums. My family has two genetic pre-existing conditions not caused by poor lifestyle choices.
1
So Senator McCain interrupts his government-paid-cost-no-concern Mayo Clinic cancer treatment to fly to DC in order to - WHAT?- vote to deprive 20+ millions fellow tax-paying Americans of THEIR healthcare ? Can a Republican greed override conscience even in the midst of his personal health challenge?
My bet? They simply pass the House bill, unaltered, and then deal is done. A very deadly deal all around, both actually and politically.
it's afternoon in DC - where the vote?
If McCain votes yes, he'll be remembered for that vote to take away people's health care. He'll get all the treatment he needs, while poor folks are forgotten.
I'm not a Republican, but I am continually disappointed and stunned by their continued tone deafness about the ACA and their need to throw people off of health insurance rather than work together with the Dems to fix the ACA or better yet, go to universal single payer, since it's fiscally much more responsible and they claim to be the pasty of fiscal responsibility. What a sad day for America when politicians care more about getting re-elected instead of doing what's right for their constituents and the country.
2
They all caved save for 2...83% of the country is against this. Some of the states these senators represent really depend on Obamacare yet they still allowed this thing to move forward.
Think about the current situation.
The sickly John McCain, whose undoubtedly astronomical medical costs due to blood clots, brain cancer and old age itself are fully paid by the government, is flying in from his sickbed - brain cancer unrestrained at the moment - to cast a vote in support of the first step towards destroying government-subsidized health care for at least 22 million needy people (of course he's going to vote yes. A de facto no would have been easy and safe from his sickbed).
Trump has gleefully and aggressively taken a wrecking ball to government agencies and programs designed to improve the environment, international trade, and of most destructively, the physical the well-being of Americans.
This is a dangerous time for America, not because of international terrorists, or spies, or wild and uncontrollable natural events, or economic calamity, but because Republicans are out to destroy the government. Except for their jobs and their benefits.
It is difficult to imagine why anyone would vote Republican, or become a Republican politician... oh wait, their jobs and benefits...
The sickly John McCain, whose undoubtedly astronomical medical costs due to blood clots, brain cancer and old age itself are fully paid by the government, is flying in from his sickbed - brain cancer unrestrained at the moment - to cast a vote in support of the first step towards destroying government-subsidized health care for at least 22 million needy people (of course he's going to vote yes. A de facto no would have been easy and safe from his sickbed).
Trump has gleefully and aggressively taken a wrecking ball to government agencies and programs designed to improve the environment, international trade, and of most destructively, the physical the well-being of Americans.
This is a dangerous time for America, not because of international terrorists, or spies, or wild and uncontrollable natural events, or economic calamity, but because Republicans are out to destroy the government. Except for their jobs and their benefits.
It is difficult to imagine why anyone would vote Republican, or become a Republican politician... oh wait, their jobs and benefits...
You really have to hand it to McCain, a man who has received the equivalent of millions of dollars of free healthcare, is going to vote to deny millions of hard working Americans the ability to pay for theirs. What kind of human being is he?
Insurers set next year's rates by August 1st. At this point, let the GOP just burn the house down - then they will have full ownership of healthcare and will either have to face up to reality (as opposed to Trump reality), or complete their job of turning the US into a 3rd world theocratic country. Our economy will begin to collapse (healthcare being the largest sector of our economy), the Treasury will be depleted, and if we're lucky, the taxpayer-funded congressional health plan will have to be de-funded. House of Cards complete - Mexico and Canada will be building walls - to keep us out! Hey, the GOP has been feeding us apocalyptic scenarios for a decade or more, now they're going to give it to us.
Anti-humanists all over the country can now look their children in the eye and say, "See Johnny, you too can grow up and become a US senator...or even President."
Remembering the Confederate flag issue, Senator McCain, cast a vote you will be proud of.
Party loyalty trumps citizens needs. Today's GOP.
The irony that as McCain fights for his life with all the help and assistance of the best doctors that money can buy, he travels to DC to ensure his active participation in keeping that care from others. This is his legacy. Forget the hero stuff. He like the rest of the GOP are cowards. Just to save a few bucks among those that can afford the most.
I am disgusted with our level of ignorance, selfishness and partisanship.
The irony that as McCain fights for his life with all the help and assistance of the best doctors that money can buy, he travels to DC to ensure his active participation in keeping that care from others. This is his legacy. Forget the hero stuff. He like the rest of the GOP are cowards. Just to save a few bucks among those that can afford the most.
I am disgusted with our level of ignorance, selfishness and partisanship.
The utter hypocrisy of John McCain flying into cast a vote to deny millions of Americans the ability to have the state of the art that he has received and will continue to receive. Any good will I felt for him and it was genuine, has evaporated. That vote will be his legacy, a tarnished diminished legacy of party over nation
2
Perhaps now that his brain is doomed Senator McCain should place himself behind the veil of the uninsured, and let his conscious cast the vote.
As McCain receives the best health care available he and his GOP gang are prepared to take your health care. The outright stupidity and tremendous selective-ignorance of the GOP as they are played from behind the money curtain has destroyed society the environment and journalism. Circling the Drain as Nature Bats Last We Are!
"ObamaCare is torturing the American People".
Sorry Trump, but nobody believes ridiculous statements like that.
Extending healthcare coverage to 20 million Americans is the EXACT opposite of torture.
Your tweet iis THE perfect example of "fake news", and as a consequence, the exact opposite of what the American people expect from a president who is supposed to represent them ... !!
Sorry Trump, but nobody believes ridiculous statements like that.
Extending healthcare coverage to 20 million Americans is the EXACT opposite of torture.
Your tweet iis THE perfect example of "fake news", and as a consequence, the exact opposite of what the American people expect from a president who is supposed to represent them ... !!
The real outrage, or irony?, in all this is that the GOP is not only pushing a bill no one wants, but that they're doing it as a national MINORITY! Yes, they are legally seated as a 'congressional majority'. But when you count the actual votes cast, nationally, for House representatives, the GOP has gotten a MINORITY of votes in 2012, 2014, and 2016. (Such outcomes used to be considered statistical anomalies in the history of the nation, before computerized gerrymandering began to make itself felt in the 2000's)
So, citizens, your government has been hijacked by a minority party, acting as a majority, with a president that received a minority of the popular vote. And, as a minority, they're about to tell you--the majority!--whether or not you'll be 'allowed' to purchase affordable healthcare. Is this the democracy you want?
So, citizens, your government has been hijacked by a minority party, acting as a majority, with a president that received a minority of the popular vote. And, as a minority, they're about to tell you--the majority!--whether or not you'll be 'allowed' to purchase affordable healthcare. Is this the democracy you want?
1
Repeal this monstrosity of Obama socialism already!
Oh John if you vote yes it will be your legacy!
I hope you do the right thing and stand up to that "person" in the WH who did not think you a Hero. Don't be his lap dog!
I hope you do the right thing and stand up to that "person" in the WH who did not think you a Hero. Don't be his lap dog!
1
McCain has voted yes.
What a disappointment you are, McCain.
1
Especially given that were McCain a lower income American and had any of the GOP Genocide Bills been in effect when he took ill he'd be dead, here's hoping his brain functions well enough to vote NO, as should each and every Senator.
1
Stanford University researchers confirm what we said at the beginning of the Republican efforts against ACA: Obamacare is not a job killer. -From today`s WSJ a non-liberal newspaper-.
"Senator John McCain, despite a diagnosis of brain cancer, is set to arrive at the Capitol at 2:45 p.m. for the vote. Follow live coverage."
Choice of words here perhaps less than sensitive.
Choice of words here perhaps less than sensitive.
This Republican bill is zombie -- it can only inflict harm, but it just won't die.
McCain makes a miraculous visit to the senate to vote yes on a bill that will leave people who experience illness like his with no reasonable options. Thanks Maverick.
McConnell, aside from Drumpf, may be the most despicable and repulsive excuse for humanity in America.
I cannot stand the sight of him.
I cannot stand the sight of him.
VOTE these GOP individuals out! They are MORALLY BANKRUPT! McCain is NOT A HERO if he votes for this abominable bill; he receives one of the best health care plans in the US paid for by ME!
Wow, if -- after receiving what was doubtless state-of-the-art treatment for his brain cancer -- Senator McCain votes to deprive millions of his fellow Americans of life and health, I will be shocked and disappointed. I fervently hope that he will follow up his heroic defense of Candidate Obama in 2008 (when a redneck audience member said Obama was a Muslim), and refuse once again to harm his country with more lies and hatred promulgated by Republican fanatics.
Right up there on the Integrity Meter with McCain's Keating Five participation, and his knuckling-under to W.
Of course. They orchestrated a tie. Cowards.
The CEO of United Healthcare Ins. makes a quarter of a million dollars a day but they want more.
We are not asking anymore.
We want Medicare for all.
We will get the support for it from Democrats or you will be fired from your cushy jobs.
We are not asking anymore.
We want Medicare for all.
We will get the support for it from Democrats or you will be fired from your cushy jobs.
1
Liars lying to spineless flunkies. Nothing to see here, folks.
Trump is the biggest idiot to serve as President ever! And to think, the only thing this president is, is a symbol of power. He doesn't make anything, build anything, do anything important, or even buy dinner for a hungry man. He is just a feckless fool providing no value to the world in his absolute puffery and uselessness.
1
Neocons & Dems are upset that their candidate didn't win! And, they know we voted for Trump, precisely because he isn't a politician & was already fairly wealthy. Face-it, we needed..(A NON-politician, with enough money to refuse lobbyist bribes, drain the swamp & tell America the truth)! Trump is truly DC's worse nightmare & (could potentially be) the greatest POTUS ever! Because his mere presence in the WH exposes the rampant gov't corruption on all levels & signaled a new era. We could care less what type of personality Trump had! Because ultimately, money talks in D.C.! And, as long as lobbyist are allowed in & our elected officials are encouraged to normalize dishonesty, things will NEVER change! Career politicians stay in office, get filthy rich by lying to the public & continually place big-money corps interest over ours. They spend their entire career putting on an act. And, (unlike Obama, who had full Dem support), Trump is fighting the corruption on both sides. Call'em what you want..all that counts is that he isn't a politician controlled by lobbyist & special interest groups. Nor, any foreign gov't for that matter! Lastly, he speaks directly to "We the people, unfiltered by lying media" via Twitter. Which, we LOVE. He's everything your fav politician will never be! And, that's why he'll win again in 2020.
Thoughts:
Maybe this time the deplorables will learn that they do get what they vote for and that elections really do have local/personal consequences?
Should McCain vote AYE, as expected, his reputation as a "maverick" or "statesman" goes into the dust heap of history.
Maybe this time the deplorables will learn that they do get what they vote for and that elections really do have local/personal consequences?
Should McCain vote AYE, as expected, his reputation as a "maverick" or "statesman" goes into the dust heap of history.
Maverick McCain lost his heart and soul in adultery between Sarah Palin Street and Barack Obama Avenue while reaping the rewards of his reckless immature intemperate privilege from his USN Admiral father and grandfather. The American war in Vietnam was a crime against humanity. McCain was kicked and knocked over by Trump. Will McCain play fiddle to the effete fop foolish fiddler Mitch McConnell?
1
Many Trump voters didn't vote for this. They voted for an anti abortion Supreme Court judge, or because of Comey and Hilary's emails. Or they wanted their guns not taken away. I don't think most voted to repeal their health insurance. That was the tea party nuts. And trump did say it would be cheaper and better than Obamacare. So, I fell bad for those who were played because of other wedge issues meant to keep them from voting in their best interest.
"Played"? They have voted against their best interest for 50 years. Now it gets serious. Elections really can have consequences...
Too much fake drama with media reporting and that includes NYT - who cares about John McCain riding dramatically into Washington? He is just ONE vote from ONE state and he is no maverick not anymore. Maybe NYT wants to blame Congress and Trump for the sorry state of reporting. Stop the blow by blow minute by minute dramarama - reporting on what we don't know yet. Ho hum
Indeed, the issue of Health Care warrants the extra effort by Senator McCain.
My hope is that it is an honest effort and that it is not grandstanding.
John, this is not about you. It is about the 23 or so million - MILLION - American citizens that will lose the coverage that you have.
The morality of what you do, John, is easily ciphered.
My hope is that it is an honest effort and that it is not grandstanding.
John, this is not about you. It is about the 23 or so million - MILLION - American citizens that will lose the coverage that you have.
The morality of what you do, John, is easily ciphered.
So John "hero" McCain is returning from one of his many vacation homes to vote on this unheroic health care piece of garbage. Hmmmm..... One has to wonder how he will vote now that he has a terminal, very expensive(if your not a congressman) disease. My guess will be that the maverick shows just what an unheroic, hypocritical, conformist republican he is. Want to be a real hero McCain, fight for a single payer national health care system in these last years of your life. Let that be your greatest legacy.
1
Tax cuts for billiionaires! WealthCare, not healthcare.
1
How ironic is it that after receiving the best of medical care for his very serious condition, John McCain is leaving his hospital bed to vote on a "nothing" bill that could potentially eliminate access to that care for millions of other Americans. This is what happens when voters blindly and continually elect representatives whose only purpose is to minimize government and taxes, no matter at whose expense.
Well America, if these people get their way, be prepared to "reap the worldwind".
My sympathy meter for you is now running on ZERO.
Signing off.
Well America, if these people get their way, be prepared to "reap the worldwind".
My sympathy meter for you is now running on ZERO.
Signing off.
Yay, the Republicans are finally going to vote, they just don't know exactly what they are voting for.
But at least they can set aside 20 hours for debate. Weren't these the guys and gals that for the past 7 years were telling the country they would take charge once they had the majorities back?
They are in charge now, and it looks like they couldn't legislate their way out of a paper bag.
But at least they can set aside 20 hours for debate. Weren't these the guys and gals that for the past 7 years were telling the country they would take charge once they had the majorities back?
They are in charge now, and it looks like they couldn't legislate their way out of a paper bag.
Will McCain vote to extend his health plan to the rest of the country which, by the way, is paying for his tumor operation or will he Trumper the people?
MTP is passed and *every single one* of these people needs to be voted out in the next senatorial cycles. Except McCain, who will mercifully be dead before his term is up.
As a pediatric specialist who cares for people who have successfully become young adults dealing with chronic illness, I hope everyone takes the names of those who vote in favor of this immoral action. These are people who don't give a moment's thought to your health and they don't care about your kids or your grandkids or anyone else's either.
Remember that especially if YOU VOTED FOR THEM and THE IDIOT in the White House they follow without question.
Remember that especially if YOU VOTED FOR THEM and THE IDIOT in the White House they follow without question.
1
Are the only Republican senators with spine women? What a group of invertebrates, these guys.
They are betraying their own constituents. They are traitors. At this point, we need a parliamentary democracy.
2
No their constituents betrayed themselves, their spouses, their parents, and their children.
So John McCain, on the heals of a death sentence brain cancer diagnosis, is going to vote to take healthcare away from millions of Americans. Coward!
4
He'll be ok though - he'll still have gov't provided healthcare !!!
Desperation of Republicans to pass the BCRA formerly American Healthcare Act- the most secret bill that affects the lives of Millions. Dragging McCain back to vote-pathetic. Too bad McCain doesn't have the healthcare plan this abomination offers- then he'd think twice before returning to throw his constituents under the bus.
3
I'm not someone prone to anger or angry outbursts, but I'd really love to smack that grin off McConnell's face. Publicly if I could. Am curious does he allow himself to speak openly and face to face with anyone who is not within his political circle? Does he ever speak with the "man (or woman) on the street". Truly speak to them. I'd bet you a million he doesn't. He's a sham. Doesn't represent anyone but his backers and his negative ideological enforcers. A very evil man.
5
Terrorists have taken over DC. Wish the nation paid attention.
3
If he votes to eliminate Obamacare, I hope McCain can get insurance since he has a pre-existing condition. Never mind, he's probably on Medicare, so the government will ensure him. Or he has government insurance through the Senate. He won't have to try to get insurance in the private market with a brain tumor.
1
Rand Paul loves talking about people being slaves to needed health care. Rand you are nothing but a slave to the Koch Brothers!
3
McCain has received socialist health care his whole life and is currently battling brain cancer, ignoring doctors' orders and flying across the country to help ensure that tens of millions of people won't have access to even rudimentary health services so that a guy who mocked his military service can notch a "win."
5
Mitch has reached a new low bringing Sen. John McCain ,
undergoing therapy for a malignant brain tumor to D.C.
to cast a vote for a bill that would deny many patients
the same level of care that he received!
undergoing therapy for a malignant brain tumor to D.C.
to cast a vote for a bill that would deny many patients
the same level of care that he received!
3
The Republicans are beating a dead horse that died because Republicans took away its healthcare.
2
Hateful Trump and GOP are against Americans. It's about bashing Obama and all democrats. The GOP is under Trumps thumb. He's the 10 billion dollar man. Money and bully behavior talks. Anti woman, racist agenda for the rich and by the rich.
If he has a shred of integrity he Wii vote NO.
1
Well, John McCain just burned up a lot of good will. Glad to see Collins and Murkowski stand their ground to the bully in chief and ther party sycophants.
3
The only bright side to this is watching the Repuglicans stew in their own bitter juices. The whole world is watching as they cynically rely on 3 or 4 among their ranks who have the decency to vote against this nonsense. I am not optimistic that somehow comity will be restored and the houses of congress will get back to doing the work of the American people, but maybe they can put this stupidity behind us all today. A 'yes' vote from McCain would be particularly vile. Get well soon, sir.
sadly, i suspect that john mccain will end his senate career in a fit of spite that drives him to be a key factor in the destruction of barack obama's signature policy win.
he just can't help himself.
he just can't help himself.
2
It's done. Trump and McConnell have their "win." The American people are once again the big losers. Despicable.
1
"McCain leaves brain surgery for Senate vote" God forgive me, I just know there is a great joke just waiting.
1
John McCain is a disgrace to this country.
2
So it is predicted that JM is a Yes.
In the face of life-and-death struggles, true courage should emerge from those good and wise. A brave and honorable person would want to make their last marks towards a better community, country, world. Healthcare in our country is an unending disappointmnet and embarrassment, a failure of those so blessed to use our fortune to uplift others. President Obama showed courage - he kept his word to Americans - and brought us all closer to a better, more healthy nation.
We are all touched when someone who has had a meaningful life of service gets sick but I am let down and saddened that his struggles have not moved McCain to a new level of sagesse. It is shameful and unforgivable to take healthcare away from the poor and suffering to benefit a small percentage of ultra-wealthy for a tax break. How many homes, cars, vacations, offshore bank accounts do you all need FOR ONE LIFE. You all could save so many lives - HOW COULD THIS NOT BE MORE MEANINGFUL than a thousand dollar dinner or tens-of-thousands $ vacation or a hundreds-of-thousands of $ shiny new car?? How rich do you all need to make your benefactors. The Republicans, now led by McCain, are shouting to the nation - they do not care and that wealth, greed, and material power are all that motivate these weak, white, thin-lipped and thin-charactered men. ps: as the rule goes, I am white - so I can go to the level b/c white republican men and making us all look really bad...
In the face of life-and-death struggles, true courage should emerge from those good and wise. A brave and honorable person would want to make their last marks towards a better community, country, world. Healthcare in our country is an unending disappointmnet and embarrassment, a failure of those so blessed to use our fortune to uplift others. President Obama showed courage - he kept his word to Americans - and brought us all closer to a better, more healthy nation.
We are all touched when someone who has had a meaningful life of service gets sick but I am let down and saddened that his struggles have not moved McCain to a new level of sagesse. It is shameful and unforgivable to take healthcare away from the poor and suffering to benefit a small percentage of ultra-wealthy for a tax break. How many homes, cars, vacations, offshore bank accounts do you all need FOR ONE LIFE. You all could save so many lives - HOW COULD THIS NOT BE MORE MEANINGFUL than a thousand dollar dinner or tens-of-thousands $ vacation or a hundreds-of-thousands of $ shiny new car?? How rich do you all need to make your benefactors. The Republicans, now led by McCain, are shouting to the nation - they do not care and that wealth, greed, and material power are all that motivate these weak, white, thin-lipped and thin-charactered men. ps: as the rule goes, I am white - so I can go to the level b/c white republican men and making us all look really bad...
3
Senator McCain has brain cancer. He cannot be blamed. Who can say what we would do in his condition?
Voting on things when you have no idea what they contain is beyond irresponsible and is not what these people were elected to do. Affordable Care Act has its issues and needs to be improved or replaced with single payer. Taking away healthcare is not the answer. These idiots have literally had years to come up with a better plan. What do they have? Nothing! They are a disgrace to our government and this country.
McCain has a tough decision ahead of him - a really great tax cut for himself or promoting the "general Welfare".
1
Days after being diagnosed for an aggressive and usually lethal brain tumor, Sen. John McCain has hastened back to Washington for the Senate vote on repealing Obamacare. Even Trump is persuaded that, despite being ignominiously captured by the North Vietnamese, is now a bona fide "hero."
Unfortunately, McCain's heroics here seem to be to cast a deciding and "mean" vote to strip 20 to 30 million Americans of their health care, just after McCain himself has incurred an almost $100,000 medical bill--paid for by a generous insurance policy funded by American tax payers.
What's so heroic about condemning so many people to illness and even death by leaving them without health care that everyone in Congress enjoys for themselves--and at the public expense?
Unfortunately, McCain's heroics here seem to be to cast a deciding and "mean" vote to strip 20 to 30 million Americans of their health care, just after McCain himself has incurred an almost $100,000 medical bill--paid for by a generous insurance policy funded by American tax payers.
What's so heroic about condemning so many people to illness and even death by leaving them without health care that everyone in Congress enjoys for themselves--and at the public expense?
2
Sadly, the charade in the Senate is not about Healthcare. It is to justify Republican lies of the past seven years, and their refusal to help craft a better Obamacare bill from the get go - to make Obama a "one term" president.
Sen. McCain. You are in the midst of a personal crisis of the highest level (not your first) today. You, no doubt have good healthcare - probably paid for partly by tax payers.
You are a genuine hero. After you personal history standing against the Vietcong, one hopes that you will today stand for America once more, and against the 'counterfeit' occupier of the White house - someone who called YOU a "coward" - when he understands nothing beyond his immediate world and personal interests at any moment.
You have rightly pointed out that "regular order" and bi-partisan way is the ONLY way to get a bill acceptable to the American people. You are absolutely right.
Please, do the RIGHT thing today. You know what it is. You know what sacrifice is. Please do not let your party sacrifice millions of Americans' healthcare to help millionaires save on taxes.
In the meantime, we pray for your full recovery. American needs your courage and wisdom NOW, more than ever.
God speed!
Sen. McCain. You are in the midst of a personal crisis of the highest level (not your first) today. You, no doubt have good healthcare - probably paid for partly by tax payers.
You are a genuine hero. After you personal history standing against the Vietcong, one hopes that you will today stand for America once more, and against the 'counterfeit' occupier of the White house - someone who called YOU a "coward" - when he understands nothing beyond his immediate world and personal interests at any moment.
You have rightly pointed out that "regular order" and bi-partisan way is the ONLY way to get a bill acceptable to the American people. You are absolutely right.
Please, do the RIGHT thing today. You know what it is. You know what sacrifice is. Please do not let your party sacrifice millions of Americans' healthcare to help millionaires save on taxes.
In the meantime, we pray for your full recovery. American needs your courage and wisdom NOW, more than ever.
God speed!
I was terrified yesterday by the television special yesterday with Trump.
Trump could just as well have lies about any number of non- issues: Mexican "rapists", Muslim "terrorists", or even that old standby, the Jews.
It was fascism in action. I have never been so scared in my life by my own government.
How can an entire party not protect us from this evil?
Trump could just as well have lies about any number of non- issues: Mexican "rapists", Muslim "terrorists", or even that old standby, the Jews.
It was fascism in action. I have never been so scared in my life by my own government.
How can an entire party not protect us from this evil?
2
Does anyone know who paid for John McCain's brain surgery? i.e., was it funded by my tax dollars or did his wife pay for it out of pocket or what?
Please tell me McCain did not get out of his hospital bed so that he could deprive 20 million people of health care...
"So great that John McCain is coming back to vote. Brave - American hero! Thank you John"
Trump is simply unbelievable. Does he not realize people will remember what he said about McCain NOT being a hero? Unfortunately, McCain will be a joke as well if he votes for this motion. What a humiliating way to end his tenure in the Senate.
Trump is simply unbelievable. Does he not realize people will remember what he said about McCain NOT being a hero? Unfortunately, McCain will be a joke as well if he votes for this motion. What a humiliating way to end his tenure in the Senate.
Yes Sir After 6 years what is a few more days of waiting so that Obamacare becomes a distant memory. That means all those people who voted for Trump will get on the new Health bill at a lower cost that they can afford. Food on the table and health coverage.
The dream has come true.
The dream has come true.
Yep, Ohio's own Rob Portman is a shill after all: disappointing.
1
The Democrats don't need a new slogan to show Americans what they stand for. Just show people the results of this vote.
GOP- the Grinches Of Politics.
GOP- the Grinches Of Politics.
"I'll have what' s/he's having"- When we all get the same health care as John McCain- talk to me about repeal/replace.
I can't stop wretching so have decided to stop watching and reading the news instead. Better to be uninformed than devastated and sick about what's going on. I was happy to read that the Boy Scouts have made a strong statement about the horrible performance by Donald Trump yesterday. The man will stop at nothing.
We are helpless in the face of this horrid mess. Wake me when it's over.
We are helpless in the face of this horrid mess. Wake me when it's over.
For McCain to come back from life threatening brain cancer to vote to take away healthcare for millions of Americans is not heroic. It is the action of a political hack. I can only assume that his brain cancer has already affected his judgement and humanity. Hopefully he will retire soon before he kills hundreds of thousands of Americans.
1
So having had life saving surgery paid for by generous health care benefits of his job, McCain rushes back to Washington to cut health care from others. What a maverick!
1
This vote proves that we need more women in politics.
2
After being diagnosed with brain cancer, and starting to receive treatment, John McCain flies to D.C. to heroically vote to strip health care from 23 million people. Oh, the cruel irony.
1
I how John McCain has the courage to vote down his enemy Donald Trumps efforts. It is Trump who insulted his value and valor and courage.The man served and serves our country. Please Republicans and John help stop Trump who's only motivation is personal power and his wealth shaped by resentment and hate.
McCain does not want available for millions of Americans the healthcare that save his life,. It is simply shameful behavior from the an old sick Senator from Arizona.
1
Back from using his gold-plated, taxpayer-supported, Mayo Clinic-accepted government health insurance so he can deny healthcare to millions of his fellow citizens. Given the life-changing experience he's just been through, you'd think he would have a little more compassion. But . . . no.
1
Why does the GOP have no plan to replace? It's simple, the ACA aka "Obamacare" was their idea, it was their plan, it was the GOP's way of avoiding single payer healthcare. Romney did it in MA and it was all fine, then Obama did it was the end of the world. The GOP is filled with a racist bunch of old men who are angry that their own idea was followed through by Obama. They are out of control and based on their own actions should be arrested for treason.
Trump and Republicans: ram the "health care" bill through so you can all take your August recess; and while you're away on your vacations, Trump can fire Sessions, replace the AG with a "loyalist" like Giuliani, who will then fire Mueller at Trump's request, and then....end the Russia thing!
Perfect Donald, because it's all about you.
Perfect Donald, because it's all about you.
1
The Republican War On America is ramping into overdrive
I am furious republicans (lower case is on purpose) are going to vote and they don't even know what bill they're voting for. Dumpty has no idea what's actually in any of the bills meant to strip millions of Americans of their healthcare. I had ObamaCare for three years and it was a life saver. Now, I have an excellent plan from an employer, but I would NEVER wish to take away benefits from others that I had the good fortune of having. What is wrong with this country when citizens don't wish to help those less fortunate. And, these people call themselves Christians? I am disgusted by the hypocrisy here. If McCain votes for this abomination, he loses all 'hero' credibility as do all of his misguided cronies and the current administration, if one could call it that, currently residing in the White House -- that is between Mar-a-Lago golf outings.
Why are all those "victims" of Obamacare that Trump trots out, look so healthy?
Was watching the proceedings at https://floor.senate.gov/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=20 , and just heard many brave protesters start yelling "Kill the bill, don't kill us!" as the vote began.
It won't change the minds of the GOP—protests don't pay them, lobbyist bribes do—but the protesters are heroes who speak for all sane Americans today.
It won't change the minds of the GOP—protests don't pay them, lobbyist bribes do—but the protesters are heroes who speak for all sane Americans today.
I knew they would do by it hook or by CROOK! They should add a repeal of their government health insurance on to the bill . Ha Ha . Hope Mc Cain continues to be a patriot and votes no . Hang in there Susan Collins .
The entire country genuflected in awe of Senator McCain... and while I admire his grit and 'free spirit' I find it ironic that a man with as good a health care plan as his is willing (along with 49 or so others) to eviscerate the health care of 250 million fellow citizens.
Give us all the Senator's plan or give us single payer!
Give us all the Senator's plan or give us single payer!
Heller should enjoy these last few months in the Senate, he is all but gone if he votes to kick people out of nursing homes, and that is what this vote is really all about, denying coverage to those who need it the most. We need public hearings.
1
Apparently, Heller's arm was twisted by casino mogul Steve Wynn - so that Wynn's friend, Trump, could look like he has a win.
Too bad none of us will have Wynn's, Heller's or Trump's health insurance.
FAKE WIN
Too bad none of us will have Wynn's, Heller's or Trump's health insurance.
FAKE WIN
1
Is McCain a Yes or a No?
How many people will John McCain kill through his "heroic" vote? The millions stripped of healthcare, the millions more left with garbage replacement policies that deny them anything close to real coverage?
I am bitter. How can this be my country? Repealing health care for millions done by white cruel men.
Senator McCain has brain cancer and that is sad. His age is the same age as when my mom was diagnosed with this awful disease. The outcome, even with the best treatment, is not good. I am hoping the Senator, who has great health care, chooses the high road in protecting people rather than voting to cut health care to more than 20 million people and also negatively affecting people who currently have insurance. Also, how can he listen to the President call him a hero when during the campaign, he said awful things about the Senator in regards to his bravery as a POW in Vietnam.
@McCain. This is the time when you sit down in front if the mirror and think about you legacy.
McCain is a multimillionaire thanks to his wife, and has had government-paid health insurance all his life.
Now he is flying to Washington — brain cancer and all — to take decent health care from the most vulnerable of American society.
There is something very sick about this commitment to dogma over common sense.
Now he is flying to Washington — brain cancer and all — to take decent health care from the most vulnerable of American society.
There is something very sick about this commitment to dogma over common sense.
1
We should all remember Senator Ted Kennedy, suffering from brain cancer, a close friend and colleague of John McCain's, giving an impassioned speech in support of the concept that Americans deserve health care.
Senator McCain has the opportunity in the coming hours to argue passionately for bipartisanship as the only way to keep America great. He would cement his legacy among people of good will throughout this country to forcefully be counted standing for justice.
Senator McCain, this could be your finest time to lead.
Senator McCain has the opportunity in the coming hours to argue passionately for bipartisanship as the only way to keep America great. He would cement his legacy among people of good will throughout this country to forcefully be counted standing for justice.
Senator McCain, this could be your finest time to lead.
Hopefully the GOP Senators from Maine, West Virgina, Ohio, and Alaska will all say 'no' to depriving millions of people of their health insurance. And hopefully they will work across the aisle with Democrats to craft some repairs to PPACA rather than fulfilling the promises of that Russian nitwit in the White House.
Go home, Sen. McCain, if all you can do is vote the Party line. It is outrageous that the public does not even know what you are voting to "debate." As far as we know this is still all about eliminating Obamacare, with an absolute refusal to examine our medical "system" or to invite input any other than your industry lobbyists.
A vote which affects millions of people, which impacts a massive part of the economy...
whoops, too late,so now we are permitted 20 hours for review and debate? It won't bother the President who we know doesn't read and doesn't care, as long as he gets a "WIN<" How about the entire Senate and House, and any =one who has an interest?
A vote which affects millions of people, which impacts a massive part of the economy...
whoops, too late,so now we are permitted 20 hours for review and debate? It won't bother the President who we know doesn't read and doesn't care, as long as he gets a "WIN<" How about the entire Senate and House, and any =one who has an interest?
9
McCain is a dead man walking. We will soon have seen the last of the monster. It will be the beginning of long purge of evil from our Nation.
1
One more time the GOP puts it's owners demands above those of the people they are sworn to serve. 17% of America is for their effort and 83% of the country is against it, yet they move on with their incompetence. I guess this country didn't learn enough during the GW years at just how great the GOP is at running anything. 9 recessions have been accomplished under the GOP since WWII and now they are shooting for number 10. Damn the people full speed ahead.
61
Oh the irony and karma of Stalise who has an A rating from the NRA being shot in the butt and McCain having brain cancer getting premium health care paid for by the public returning to DC to vote on ending the ACA. I'm thinking that's a run on sentence but you get my point. How will he vote?
67
Agree except that Scalise was shot in the pelvis. Probably by now his hospital bill has already exceeded the $1 million that used to be most peoples' lifetime insurance cap until Obamacare mandated that there be no limit.
What will the Greed Over Patriotism party's bill have in it for that one crucial detail?
And if Scalise had just been some uninsured by "free choice" healthy 40 yr old, who would pick up the tab?
If he had been uninsured, the hospital and the doctors were not "free" to decline to treat him. So basically the "freedom" to be uninsured means that doctors and hospitals are indentured to provide service without pay when that uninsured patient shows up. They write off on taxes what they can as charity, (nothing close to what the.care costs), which is then paid for by us Joe and Jane taxpayers.
I just don't get why the Greed over People party and its Stepford-wife-like minions don't understand and acknowledge that.
What will the Greed Over Patriotism party's bill have in it for that one crucial detail?
And if Scalise had just been some uninsured by "free choice" healthy 40 yr old, who would pick up the tab?
If he had been uninsured, the hospital and the doctors were not "free" to decline to treat him. So basically the "freedom" to be uninsured means that doctors and hospitals are indentured to provide service without pay when that uninsured patient shows up. They write off on taxes what they can as charity, (nothing close to what the.care costs), which is then paid for by us Joe and Jane taxpayers.
I just don't get why the Greed over People party and its Stepford-wife-like minions don't understand and acknowledge that.
2
If the man has a conscience he'll do the right thing and solidly vote against this so called health care fix. The GOP however will not see the irony in your two scenarios. It's above them.
1
They are voting to agree to waist more time. This is just as pointless as Trumps Voter Fraud Commission.
20
Pass it! It's time that working-class Americans who vote for Republicans experience the ramifications of their vote. You know the people with an elderly mother in a nursing home who say, "oh they're not going to cut THAT Medicaid." Or those who say, "they're not going to cut MY health care, no, they're going to cut those freeloaders on Obamacare." Until they face the true implications of their vote (take from the poor and middle class to give even more to the rich!) nothing will change. And one other thing: not all rich people favor this formula for income re-re-distribution. Many realize that America and Americans are the reason they succeed and know that if America and Americans don't succeed, everyone fails. Some even have a sense of gratitude and humility and want to give back. Trump does not represent all wealthy Americans. Many are embarrassed to be lumped in with him.
50
Yep, pass it and be done! Just think how many fewer trumpy supporters there will be in a year....they will be like the rats deserting a sunken ship or dead!
Senators and Representatives, admittedly, spend around half of their workday soliciting campaign contributions. Half of the time we are paying them for, trusting them with our children's futures for, is spent soliciting for campaign contributions. And 87% of campaign contributions come from Big Money Donors, who are not giving those contributions out of the goodness of their hearts. They are giving those Big Money contributions to control the Congress. That is why what Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn want matters more to Dean Heller than what the next million Nevadans want, why what the Club For Growth wants is more important to Ted Cruz than what the city of Houston wants. Anonymous campaign contributions should be illegal, and campaign contributions in general are nothing but bribes.
17
Senator McCain receives the finest health care our government can offer. And he would deny the same to the American public.
I despise him.
I despise him.
58
We as the taxpayers, pay for it!!
I'd like to think Senator McCain will stand up to Trump and his GOP colleagues on this issue. Chances are, he won't.
This was a young man who got into the Naval Academy even though not qualified to enter, except for the fact that the young man's grandfather had been a highly-decorated admiral in World War II, and because his father, also an admiral, would soon become commander-in-chief of all forces in the Pacific, making him the highest ranking officer in the Vietnam War.
Why this young Naval officer got away with crashing two airplanes and smashing power lines in Spain without being disciplined disciplined remains a mystery, although other pilots thought it had to do with his family connections.
Aboard the USS Forrestal, this show-off pilot who broke the rules, was rumored to have caused the tragic fire aboard the ship by trying to scare the pilot behind him by suddenly shooting flames out of his tail exhaust. The fire was ruled accidental.
This pilot would be later hit by anti-aircraft fire when flying too low in Vietnam, but would later claim to be struck by a SAM missile. Some say he was treated a bit better than other pilots as a POW because of family connections and because he was cooperative with the North Vietnamese.
As a presidential nominee, he brought the alt-right to prominence with his incomprehensible, but convenient, selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. He also demonstrated contempt for Obama's legislative agenda.
I don't expect much from him.
This was a young man who got into the Naval Academy even though not qualified to enter, except for the fact that the young man's grandfather had been a highly-decorated admiral in World War II, and because his father, also an admiral, would soon become commander-in-chief of all forces in the Pacific, making him the highest ranking officer in the Vietnam War.
Why this young Naval officer got away with crashing two airplanes and smashing power lines in Spain without being disciplined disciplined remains a mystery, although other pilots thought it had to do with his family connections.
Aboard the USS Forrestal, this show-off pilot who broke the rules, was rumored to have caused the tragic fire aboard the ship by trying to scare the pilot behind him by suddenly shooting flames out of his tail exhaust. The fire was ruled accidental.
This pilot would be later hit by anti-aircraft fire when flying too low in Vietnam, but would later claim to be struck by a SAM missile. Some say he was treated a bit better than other pilots as a POW because of family connections and because he was cooperative with the North Vietnamese.
As a presidential nominee, he brought the alt-right to prominence with his incomprehensible, but convenient, selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. He also demonstrated contempt for Obama's legislative agenda.
I don't expect much from him.
47
It is amazing to see that the President is pushing a "yes" vote despite the fact that he has no idea what is in it. This guy is parody of himself - a cartoon character. Without question, Trump is the worst president in American history and he is just getting started. I suspect we can look forward to more wars of choice, Constitutional crisis, more laughable lies, gutting of government, and self-dealing.
We did it to ourselves.
We did it to ourselves.
27
I'll have no problem if the ACA or Obamacare, if you will, is repealed and replaced so long as all 100 U.S. Senators and all 435 U.S. House Representatives shelve their current taxpayer funded healthcare insurance and subscribe to Trump-Care healthcare insurance when it goes into effect. The sooner the better. Especially before the 2018 elections.
I'm sure those Senators and Representatives voting for Trump-Care had their loyal supporters best healthcare needs at heart. If true, their supporters will give them a resounding victory in 2018. I can't wait for those voting results.
I'm sure those Senators and Representatives voting for Trump-Care had their loyal supporters best healthcare needs at heart. If true, their supporters will give them a resounding victory in 2018. I can't wait for those voting results.
19
The reason why I included Democratic Senators and Representatives above is that they haven't forcify and publicly
demand Single Payer, the only universal healthcare plan. They're an embarrassment to FDR's legacy of caring for all Americans.
demand Single Payer, the only universal healthcare plan. They're an embarrassment to FDR's legacy of caring for all Americans.
1
Unfortunately, that wouldn't matter. Many senators and house members are over 65 years of age and are therefore eligible for Medicare. Both older and younger members are, for the most part, extremely wealthy. They could easily just pay cash for the care they and their families need, regardless of the insurance plan they have. A much easier solution is to have all elections federally funded, allowing not a cent of outside money. In that case, we would have a variety of people running for office, not just the wealthy and well connected, as the framers envisioned. The wants of the 1% would not be a priority, since campaign donations would be unlawful. Creating congressional districts mathematically would also help.
1
There is a steady drumbeat for single payer. Used to think Republicans were mean and protecting their lavish insurance donations. Now I think they are also stupid.
By making a mess of healthcare, there is now a massive spotlight on the rigged system - Republicans inadvertently have brought single payer to the forefront.
By making a mess of healthcare, there is now a massive spotlight on the rigged system - Republicans inadvertently have brought single payer to the forefront.
24
If I were a member of the senate, I would vote "yes" to find out what is in the proposed bill and find out who is in favor of repeal and why. Talking about something cannot hurt, if the claims can be checked.
1
A vote to proceed means they can wait until the next Trump fiasco gobbles up all the headlines then quickly have the vote. By the time we look back to see what is happening in the Senate it will be done.
But the parliamentarian point is that taking a vote to proceed before publish WHAT is being proceeded on is a travesty of procedure.
But the parliamentarian point is that taking a vote to proceed before publish WHAT is being proceeded on is a travesty of procedure.
Maybe a good point, but wait and see. Talking about what is in this bill is useful, if not now then in November 2018. The healthcare is something that affects everyone and rapidly.
John McCain the much touted "maverick" after having the best medical care worth millions of dollars at our expense will soon make his grand entrance in to the capitol under the glare of media flash lights and cast his vote to take away the health care of millions.
Wow...what a great hero!
Wow...what a great hero!
30
So the Death Panel is about to convene and decide which Americans can see a doctor before it's a "Call 911!" condition. Blood in the urine or stool? Dizziness and blurred vision? Tightness in the chest? Weakness? Oh, it's nothing. It'll go away. It's the heat. Stress at work. It was that heavy lifting. Must have been something I ate. I'll go to the doctor after we get new tires for the car. $170 for an office visit, then the tests and the drugs. It'll have to wait.
14
What is wrong with this picture: The GOP is holding a procedural vote to allow debate. Allow debate! The GOP has been ranting and raving about the Affordable Care Act for over seven years. And now it might allow debate. Might. Is it any wonder that citizens across this great country have lost faith in Congress's ability to accomplish anything?
7
Here we have a man whose only hope for survival is access to the best (taxpayer funded) medical care in the world, leaving his hospital bed to vote to strip access to health care from millions of his fellow citizens. Don't even know what to say to that...
17
As for all those people complaining against the ACA- I wish that those people and their entire families could be micro-chipped. Then let them have no insurance-but allow hospitals to refuse treatment. The micro chip would sort them out. Then maybe, if they lost enough loved ones, or go broke after an accident, they would appreciate the ACA. oh yeah- and no write-offs by the hospitals.
7
I have long admired John McCain, and I am convinced he is returning to urge his fellow Republicans to consider carefully how they legislate health care for all Americans, ensuring this as a basic right. My bet (and hope) is he will testify to his colleagues and vote FOR the people. THAT would be heroic.
4
Looks like Senator McCain's legacy will be that he stepped in at the last minute to deprive millions of people, including many in Arizona, of health insurance.
19
Senator McCain's vote will tell the American people all they need to know about the Republican Party. He does know that, doesn't he?
6
Is it too much to hope that in his vulnerable state John McCain asked his health care providers for their advice not only on his own healthcare but that of millions of others?
4
The Republicans are trying to stick the W-2 income workers with the cost of paying for the uninsured. Do the math, this is all about paying for the uninsured through payroll taxes that the rich (people with primarily dividend income) do not pay. EMTALA requires hospitals who take Medicare or Medicaid to treat the uninsured for free (passed by a Republican controlled Senate and signed by Ronald Reagan in 1986). No one is talking about repealing it. So if a hospital takes Medicare and Medicaid, part of its cost of it doing business is the hospital must treat the uninsured for free. That is the funding mechanism for EMTALA. Why fund EMTALA through the Medicare taxes? The reason is it is a payroll tax and the wealthy take their income in dividend not subject to the payroll tax.
5
Waiting for this to pass is just as bad or worse than waiting for an appointment with your primary care physician. Good God, when will anything be voted on in the best interest of the people? I adore John McCain but let's not forget he gets the best of the best health care while the rest of us get crumbs. Hospital bills can bankrupt a family. Pharmaceutical companies push opioids like they are candy and the costs of generic vs. regular medicine is just astounding. I have shed many tears when I see how insurance plans play with your wellbeing. I have antiquated generic meds that I must take and not sure when my liver will fail as a result. That's what some of us with preexisting conditions deal with. I lost ability to walk after brain tumor surgery because nobody knew that my anti seizure meds counteracted with the steroids I was on for brain swelling. It was all hit a miss. Good luck everyone. My prayers will always be for the most needy among us.
6
The promise-breaker-in-chief ("we'll have great big beautiful healthcare for all, you will keep Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security," etc. ) is predictably exhorting his enablers to "keep their promise." The promise shouldn't be to repeal and replace, it should always have been to improve. It's not too late to repeal and replace an absurd promise to begin with. Quality still trumps fidelity when your loyalty is to wrong ideas. Ideas that will hurt far too many Americans. Was that the Republic party pledge to the US electorate? Something way wrong here.
8
Trump ran on a platform of "better, cheaper, universal" medical care. How leaving tens of millions of people without coverage matches this, and how some, including Trump, dare to say they are doing what Americans voted for? More importantly: how is it that millions still support this obvious malevolent creature and his minions? Unbelievable.
12
"The company reported significantly higher net earnings of $254 million for the three months ended June 30"
They make a billion dollars a year (extrapolated) of profit from the health care system. Time for Medicare for All.
They make a billion dollars a year (extrapolated) of profit from the health care system. Time for Medicare for All.
6
dwormuth: I posted earlier that we need medicare for all. As I follow the debate, it boggles my mind that there is almost no mention of this idea in the media. It is the only idea that makes sense! Please keep posting: "Medicare for all."
I cannot believe that McCain who is fighting for his life will come back to the Senate to take health care away from millions. Let us give him the benefit of the doubt hope he does the right thing by voting against repeal with no replacement. Any other action means that McCain truly has no soul.
2
Based on the latest news, McCain did indeed prove to all that he has no soul after all.
1
Senator McCain could cement his reputation as a true American hero by voting against the motion to proceed to debate on the Republican Health Care Bill. He should recognize his good fortune to have Medicare and supplemental health care coverage that will pay for the enormous bills he has incurred and no doubt will soon incur to treat his recently discovered brain tumor. But what if he were one of the unfortunate Arizonans who might find themselves in the same situation without insurance coverage as a result of the horrendous and "mean" health care bill. Their choice may well be to fall into bankruptcy or decline treatment and face sure death. Senator McCain has the opportunity to cast his vote in support of his constituents and millions of Americans who will lose their health insurance as a result of this bill. Voting "No" would be another heroic act by a true American hero. We wish you the best on your recovery, and hope you will make the right decision on this bill.
1
Will any Republican please explain to us in detail how GOP proposals benefit people? And, while you're at it, please explain in detail, the precise problems with the ACA that warrant such draconian measures. Why do you think junk insurance solves any problem whatsoever?
1
Extending Medicare to all Americans is inevitable. Why wait?
4
What would McCain have to lose if he were to vote the responsible way--to extend to 20-30 million of his fellow citizens some access to somewhat affordable medical care, even if not the "Cadillac plan" that he and his fellow congresspeople enjoy? He's not going to run again. Why not stand up for principle, for once!?
5
My sister died within a year of diagnosis from the same illness John McCain has.
If McCain proves to be a critical vote for advancing this malignant Republican travesty through the Senate, then may he be taken from this earth LATER than my sister was, to maximize the duration of the deserved scorn that he will receive until the end of his days from not only the millions of Americans deprived of their health care, but from millions more who stand appalled by the actions of Mitch McConnell and his malevolent GOP caucus.
Oh, how I sincerely hope he proves me wrong.
If McCain proves to be a critical vote for advancing this malignant Republican travesty through the Senate, then may he be taken from this earth LATER than my sister was, to maximize the duration of the deserved scorn that he will receive until the end of his days from not only the millions of Americans deprived of their health care, but from millions more who stand appalled by the actions of Mitch McConnell and his malevolent GOP caucus.
Oh, how I sincerely hope he proves me wrong.
5
Once again president Trump shows he understands the Boy Scouts values by calling McCain a hero, when he called him a loser during the campaign, making fun of McCain years of captivity and torture. Such a classy guy.
2
John McCain just had a complicated and expensive surgery on the taxpayers' dime and now he might vote to take away the possibility for the same care from the taxpayers who foot his bill.
My husband has had the same surgery and treatment and is doing well almost one year in. We are lucky we have insurance .... what a sad statement from an American Citizen to feel lucky to have insurance and health care.
My husband has had the same surgery and treatment and is doing well almost one year in. We are lucky we have insurance .... what a sad statement from an American Citizen to feel lucky to have insurance and health care.
5
Considering the widespread abuse of medical companies in the US, I wonder by how much the US GNP should be reduced by when comparing it to modern countries.
2
Republicans have had 7 years to develop an alternative and all they can come up with is repeal. Everyone knew that Under ACA the insurance companies were in control and that the low premium would disappear. Go Back and look at the debates in congress when Obama was forced to include the insurance companies. We all knew what would happen. That aside, why isn't there a fix? "Don't Care Fools" like Ron Paul and Trumpist like McConnell would rather put people in the street than try to make this country a more civilized place to live and work.
2
Getting this thing out into the sunlight is a better option than this continuous uncertainty which is causing more harm. Once people have to state what they stand for, including John McCain, then their voters can determine whether their representatives are taking care of them, or their local millionaires
1
What needs to be done is to finally break the enormously profitable lock that big insurance / managed care has on the health care industry.
The way to do it? Move toward single-payer universal coverage.
Let's get started.
A physician MD
The way to do it? Move toward single-payer universal coverage.
Let's get started.
A physician MD
3
I know McCain is very ill, and so no one wants to say anything bad about him. But for him to come out of the hospital to vote to take away health care from tens of millions is morally despicable.
Between this and Sarah Palin, he is far from an American hero. Senator, you keep on telling us you're a maverick. But I just don't see it.
Between this and Sarah Palin, he is far from an American hero. Senator, you keep on telling us you're a maverick. But I just don't see it.
4
Do I hear the clanging of "bring out your dead" from "Monty Python"? Why yes. Yes, I do. Seems appropriate for any "bill" the Republicans would consider voting on or passing. It all feels extremely Middle Ages. And McCain rising from his sick bed to be there today, and Trump calling that heroism, is laughable.
4
McCain career went off the tracks when he chose Palin as a running mate. This gesture shows more bad judgment and is an ignominious end to a career. At least he'll get fine health care, curtesy of the US government, that he will be denying everyone else.
6
Let them pass it. They would have trouble blaming it on the Democrats in 2018. Then we can be done with the with the GOP ineptitude.
4
Yes, I agree, John McCain returning from government provided, life saving surgery to vote for stripping health insurance from 20-30 million fellow citizens is not heroic. All Senators voting for this abomination should be voted out of office.
6
John McCain arose from an uncertain start to exceptional service to the nation, surviving torture on the hand of armed forces that were doing the bidding of Russia. And then he was brought back to health by the taxpayer's dole, as it should have been for that is the compact between our soldiers and our country, to serve as a thoughtful Senator, willing to challenge the party line and ideology to lead with integrity first.
Now Senator McCain stands at a threshold. He can be true to his past once more and oppose the efforts which would make the very care he is receiving out of reach for millions, and fight Russia again this time in the guise of possible collusion in the White House.
Or, he can throw away an entire life of work, and even his own strength and example as he endured when captivity, by kowtowing to pseudo-fascistic ideology. The choice is his to make.
Now Senator McCain stands at a threshold. He can be true to his past once more and oppose the efforts which would make the very care he is receiving out of reach for millions, and fight Russia again this time in the guise of possible collusion in the White House.
Or, he can throw away an entire life of work, and even his own strength and example as he endured when captivity, by kowtowing to pseudo-fascistic ideology. The choice is his to make.
4
What kind of grand-standing is this? Is he bargaining for a better obit?? Once again, the Republicans are choosing party over country and I am bitterly disappointed in this "patriot."
4
Seeing those kids meeting the President makes me think that should be something they treasure forever.
What a huge disappointment for them to have this President in the WH.
What a huge disappointment for them to have this President in the WH.
4
Such a shame that even when he has just a few weeks to live, McCain has no conscience. As the Bard said - "The evils that men do live after them...".
5
Senator McCain is a man I have long admired.
However, how many times has he stood up to his party by actually not voting with them when they decided to implement terrible policies?
How does Senator McCain, in good conscience, vote to take away healthcare from millions, when he has lived with a preexisting condition for years, when he is afforded the best medical care in this country, paid for by his fellow citizens.
How do you reconcile that, Senator McCain?
However, how many times has he stood up to his party by actually not voting with them when they decided to implement terrible policies?
How does Senator McCain, in good conscience, vote to take away healthcare from millions, when he has lived with a preexisting condition for years, when he is afforded the best medical care in this country, paid for by his fellow citizens.
How do you reconcile that, Senator McCain?
7
I am finished with McCain politically.
I held my nose when he selected Palin, voted for him and never regretted it.
A hero he was and a hero he remains.
Of course, I wish him well in his current struggle.
But this is a bridge too far for me.
I held my nose when he selected Palin, voted for him and never regretted it.
A hero he was and a hero he remains.
Of course, I wish him well in his current struggle.
But this is a bridge too far for me.
59
A hero in favor of letting tens of millions lose life-saving health insurance? The same benefit he just took advantage of to save his own life, that he wishes to deny those less well off than himself? You have a very strange definition of hero. To me that reads like a text book villain.
Agree, today he proves himself to be a profile in weakness - bad guy, too bad for us all. Arrogance serves him first and foremost.
1
What do you know? Just when I thought Senator McCain was a has-been, I tuned in to his Senate speech and found out that I was absolutely wrong.
I apologize Senator. Never again will I doubt you.
I apologize Senator. Never again will I doubt you.
1
"I don't feel no ways tired. I come too far from where I started from. Nobody told me that the road would be easy. I don't believe He brought me this far,"
Cry Freedom!
Cry Freedom!
2
Don't fool yourselves into believing that there aren't among you many who can't wait for Obamacare to be repealed. Now tell me I'm wrong.
2
There are plenty of very small business owners, like myself, who will be greatly hurt if the ACA is repealed. The ACA was the reason that many entrepreneurs were able to start businesses in the first place (not tied to employment for health care benefits).
And we are largely higher income, faithfully voting members of the public. We will remember.
And we are largely higher income, faithfully voting members of the public. We will remember.
9
One would think more moderation would be operating on the cusp of change
1
Will McCain have the same political courage toward poor, working class Americans who rely on Medicaid that he has toward DACA immigrants?
Just last week Senator Lindsey Graham said he became engaged in the DACA issue at McCain's request. On Thursday, on the phone from his hospital bed, McCain urged Sessions to defend Dreamers. Graham said McCain told him basically, “No more ‘woe is me’. He is yelling at me to buck up. So I’m going to buck up. I’ve stopped letting 30% of the people who are mad about immigration to determine how I behave … When they write the history of these times, I’m going to be with these kids.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jul/20/trump-undocumented-immig...
Time will tell whether any Republican Senators find the same political courage to BUCK UP and stop letting the 12% of Americans who are mad about Obamacare (i.e. the rightwing ideologues in their own party) determine how they behave.
Just last week Senator Lindsey Graham said he became engaged in the DACA issue at McCain's request. On Thursday, on the phone from his hospital bed, McCain urged Sessions to defend Dreamers. Graham said McCain told him basically, “No more ‘woe is me’. He is yelling at me to buck up. So I’m going to buck up. I’ve stopped letting 30% of the people who are mad about immigration to determine how I behave … When they write the history of these times, I’m going to be with these kids.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jul/20/trump-undocumented-immig...
Time will tell whether any Republican Senators find the same political courage to BUCK UP and stop letting the 12% of Americans who are mad about Obamacare (i.e. the rightwing ideologues in their own party) determine how they behave.
3
So basically he gets his health insurance but will be sure to swoop in to take other peoples away..
7
How sad that when John McCain is undergoing state of the art medical care for his life threatening cancer that he would vote to eliminate healthcare for millions of Americans. Can he possibly want this to be his legacy?
9
Senator McCain, this is your Swansong opportunity to establish your legacy as a man of integrity, empathy and support of the citizens you represent. Vote to improve access and affordability for health care. Don't turn back!
6
I hope, but don't expect, that John McCain will contemplate how blessed he is to have the insurance coverage that he needs to battle brain cancer. Maybe this will prevent him from voting for a health care plan that will deny insurance to millions.
4
With all due respect to McCain, the man is 80 years old and just had a cancerous piece of his brain cut out last week. Are the citizens of Arizona (and the US) not entitled to more predictable, healthy representation than this?
He needs to retire.
He needs to retire.
7
Clearly Susan Collins is "WonderWoman", and let's hope some more show up since there are no republican "SuperMen".
6
why would mr. Mccain vote to take insurance away from millions, when he knows first hand the value of having it, esp now?
7
i guess in a land where Donald Trump can qualify as a president, John McCain can still qualify as a hero.
5
If McCain is well enough to travel to DC, he is well enough to vote NO and not sacrifice the voters of AZ to GOP animus
5
This morning, the so-called President who speaks in contrary tongues, tweeted that he was going to free Americans from the "torture of Obamacare." He projects his own behavior outward. The creature who occupies the peoples' house himself tortures families every day, 22 million of them, with the loss of their health care. He knows nothing about how the ACA works, nor does he understand anything about the market that has driven it. The ACA needs two repairs. The first, to guarantee subsidies and to provide additional subsidies for people who do not now qualify but cannot afford the premiums. And second, to enforce the personal mandate. This president has, instead, destabilized the insurance market daily with both his rejection of the mandate, and his threats to end the subsidies.
The miserable fabricator will support anything, anything that his opposable monkey-digits (Grover Norquist) can sign as "evidence" that he is living up to his empty campaign promises, despite the fact that he has done no work at all.
Republicans who conspire with their obviously unstable king are a loathsome lot, who put themselves above all else, including their constituents and the country they took an oath to protect.
The miserable fabricator will support anything, anything that his opposable monkey-digits (Grover Norquist) can sign as "evidence" that he is living up to his empty campaign promises, despite the fact that he has done no work at all.
Republicans who conspire with their obviously unstable king are a loathsome lot, who put themselves above all else, including their constituents and the country they took an oath to protect.
6
So now we're going to be treated to the sight of a dying man voting to strip healthcare from tens of millions of people.
How sickening.
How sickening.
9
I think America needs to taste this poison. I hope Trumpcare passes. Then and only then, will Americans learn their lesson.
45
I agree, Ron, and I hope that "Maverick" and "hero" John McCain casts the deciding vote. I feel sympathy for him and his family. No one deserves brain cancer, but the Senator has no worries about healthcare, unlike many of his constituents. He'll go down in history as just another party hack.
My hope is that when whatever version of this insidious bill passes, American will, in fact learn their lesson, throw these lackeys of insurance and big pharma out, and work on a system such as you enjoy in Canada.
My hope is that when whatever version of this insidious bill passes, American will, in fact learn their lesson, throw these lackeys of insurance and big pharma out, and work on a system such as you enjoy in Canada.
at the risk of how many lives? destroy our hospitals who must see those who are uninsured? this is a very sad day
I would agree with you if not for the innocent lives that would have to be sacrificed.
McCain flies to Washington while fighting brain cancer -- in order to cast his vote to take health care away from tens of millions of Americans. I don't call that being heroic. Pretty despicable actually.
7
What a disgraceful legacy John McCain will leave. He was always a false "maverick," pretending to dissent from idiotic policies, then voting for them.
He'll go down in history as a man who was held captive for five years during a useless war, then sold out his countrymen to republican death panels, while receiving the best health care money can buy. That's no American hero. There's another word for what that is, but it cannot be published in a daily newspaper.
He'll go down in history as a man who was held captive for five years during a useless war, then sold out his countrymen to republican death panels, while receiving the best health care money can buy. That's no American hero. There's another word for what that is, but it cannot be published in a daily newspaper.
9
Hypocrite Hero McCain, who has the benefits of taxpayer-paid health care, rises from his sick bed to support a murky bill that will strip coverage from millions of not so rich Americans. Because Trump says to.
7
Senator McCain, surely you would not ruin your reputation for integrity and representing the interests of your many Arizona and national constituents and fans by enabling the filth that is the GoP Repeal and Replace bill?! Your vote and your voice is needed. It has too long been muted faced with the terrible Republican health care travesty and the suffering, morbidity and death it will spread.
5
Heroes don't hurt millions of people, do they?
5
All of these "health care" bills from the Republicans are roughly the same - turn Medicaid into block grant and take somewhere around a trillion dollars out of the system. How can anyone who has vowed to vote against one come back and vote for another one? To me, this is just breaking your vow (I'm looking at you, Dean Heller). By agreeing to procedural vote, you are agreeing to once again get railroaded and further pressured to do something very bad to your constituents. Vote no Republicans! Stand up to these bullies from the right who care nothing for your constituents! Stop this madness! Trump be hanged.
3
It is so clear that these politicians care only about their party and their party's dictates.....forget the people's needs.....just think about your re-election and congressional retirement and medical benefits. The needs of the people? Who cares...we don't.
3
So a man who just had emergency brain surgery provided by his government health plan, is about to vote to take away health coverage from TENS OF MILLIONS of AMERICANS. I have no words.....
6
At this point Trump shenanigans ought to be a counter-incentive to any politician with half a brain. Trump "turns up the heat" indeed. He's a liability to any politician save Putin.
3
absolute chicanery and McCain is making sure he'll be there to vote on something he knows nothing about. Why not stay home with your family instead of taking part in a media circus?
1
While some hope that McCain is returning to deal a death blow to the disastrous GOP tax cut for billionaires masquerading as a health care bill, I remember when McCain was a 'hero' of the Keating 5 savings & loan rip-off. I do not expect him to do right by the American public.
1
How appalling that a man with the best medical care in the country is flaunting that fact by preparing to vote for millions to lose their health coverage. Disgusting and hypocritical. And no, it can't be blamed on a tumor but the man's character. He is not a hero any longer, but a sad old man who is proving, once again, to be an obstacle to real progress in this country.
The American government hates its people. We might as well be living in Turkey.
2
#americaonsale at dollar store.
1
When does filibuster kick in?
Can we vote on repealing the Senate's Health Care, please??
2
This will be John McCains legacy? Yanking healthcare from fellow brain cancer patients? Being in his situation he should understand that some diseases are complete coincidence - if he hasn't enough empathy in general - and will ruin people's lives without insurance.
McCain is showing us, unfortunately, the side that thought Sarah Palin was a good idea--
2
McCain's legacy will be what he fights for - or against - at this, the end of his life. It is NOT heroic to be packed in cotton wool for a cross-country trip to take healthcare from 20-30 million people, and then to be packed up carefully for the trip home where he'll get absolutely the BEST healthcare money can buy.
Sure, think back to him being a POW. He did his duty as a soldier and then went through hell. Heroic. But let's also remember that he returned home to the BEST healthcare money could buy--he was a HERO after all.
So, what are we saying--if you're a soldier--but only a famous 'hero'--or a Congressman you get guaranteed, top-tier healthcare?
If he casts his lot in with selfishness, cruelty and inhumanity - he has forfeited the right to be called 'hero', and shame fall upon him.
Sure, think back to him being a POW. He did his duty as a soldier and then went through hell. Heroic. But let's also remember that he returned home to the BEST healthcare money could buy--he was a HERO after all.
So, what are we saying--if you're a soldier--but only a famous 'hero'--or a Congressman you get guaranteed, top-tier healthcare?
If he casts his lot in with selfishness, cruelty and inhumanity - he has forfeited the right to be called 'hero', and shame fall upon him.
1
It’s astounding how few men it takes to halt a democracy the size and scope of the u.s. government. The people are not represented, other than to be scapegoats for house an senate members to squawk, and pump up their feathers saying “What The America People Want”,etc,etc. The American people don’t know what they want, given the kettle of fish running the joint, because they don’t either. We have free speech and assembly, and now political dementia. Holy Mackeral!
2
There is something beyond ironic (maudlin?) about the scene of a senator with terminal brain cancer flying in to vote to repeal health care for 22 million Americans. As another commentator noted: "Nothing heroic here."
1
I had a dream last night...and yes only a dream..
That McCain came in like Kennedy did, said his piece, and that the republican bill is an affront to humanity, and health care is more important than religion and tax cuts for the rich...and became a true american hero...but then I woke up, pulled on my scrubs, and went to work at 6 am
That McCain came in like Kennedy did, said his piece, and that the republican bill is an affront to humanity, and health care is more important than religion and tax cuts for the rich...and became a true american hero...but then I woke up, pulled on my scrubs, and went to work at 6 am
99
Just a paralyzing sense of dread here, worry that cynical Republicans in the Senate will indeed hurt people.
3
Anyone who complains about ACA should go back and study the Republican's voting record. They ran on a lie and sabotaged a law to make sure it failed. They own the damage inflicted on ACA and would repair.
2
I'm an entrepreneur, and access to health insurance was a huge barrier in the early 2000s when I started my company. At entrepreneur events, just discussing this sucked up inordinate amounts of time as we chatted about this with each other. I was unable to hire a woman that I wanted to hire because she carried the insurance for her husband + kids, as he had a small landscaping business.
Under Obamacare, it became so much easier to shop for insurance. I had much better choice, it was so easy to compare plans. And I was able to purchase insurance that was 25% less (with more coverage) than I had access to before.
And the rate increases have been nothing like they were prior to our MA situation (first Romneycare, then Obamacare).
Please let's not return to the bad old days. There were so many things wrong before, but people seem to have forgotten them. And I find that people who had employer-based coverage have no understanding of what it was like outside that.
Under Obamacare, it became so much easier to shop for insurance. I had much better choice, it was so easy to compare plans. And I was able to purchase insurance that was 25% less (with more coverage) than I had access to before.
And the rate increases have been nothing like they were prior to our MA situation (first Romneycare, then Obamacare).
Please let's not return to the bad old days. There were so many things wrong before, but people seem to have forgotten them. And I find that people who had employer-based coverage have no understanding of what it was like outside that.
7
Humiliated early in the campaign by Trump, over his capture during the Vietnam War, and after life-saving surgery at taxpayer expense, McCain returns to the Senate to support the President with a vote to deny health insurance to millions of Americans.
Now THAT's a hero!
Now THAT's a hero!
4
Wouldn't it be great if John McCain, realizing his time is running out and newly appreciative of his own health care, votes NO?!
9
Please, Senator McCain, time is critical. Access your courage and your bone-deep, longstanding awareness of the greater good: take a stand against repeal and replace. Work together with Democrats to improve ACA for the people!
5
The sainted McCain is coming back to vote to repeal Obamacare--this is a guy who has had medical care paid for from birth by the government.
5
Here is a different way of looking at things.....
Repealing the medicaid expansion and reducing the subsidies along with some of the mandates will a. force the insurers to lower prices, b. force people to take some responsibility for their health and to pay for it, and c. with the funding crisis that will occur, force Americans to consider what we should be spending money on and thus allow a correction in our broken system.
Spending money on John McCain's treatment, other than to keep him comfortable, is futile. Glioblastoma is fatal. Is it worth spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to extend someone's life a month? 3 months? Can we afford, should we afford, to pay anything for futile treatment? I say no. I counsel patients until I am blue in the face... some agree, but most say "well, medicare will pay so let's try it." In Europe this never happens. The 'treatment' is just not available. The reason they have better results is that they let nature take its course when that course is inevitable.
Call me harsh, but it is very easy to spend other people's money.
Repealing the medicaid expansion and reducing the subsidies along with some of the mandates will a. force the insurers to lower prices, b. force people to take some responsibility for their health and to pay for it, and c. with the funding crisis that will occur, force Americans to consider what we should be spending money on and thus allow a correction in our broken system.
Spending money on John McCain's treatment, other than to keep him comfortable, is futile. Glioblastoma is fatal. Is it worth spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to extend someone's life a month? 3 months? Can we afford, should we afford, to pay anything for futile treatment? I say no. I counsel patients until I am blue in the face... some agree, but most say "well, medicare will pay so let's try it." In Europe this never happens. The 'treatment' is just not available. The reason they have better results is that they let nature take its course when that course is inevitable.
Call me harsh, but it is very easy to spend other people's money.
2
I do not believe this rush to vote is about healthcare at all, but the give-aways buried in the bill.
6
Vote on a bill so they can find out what's in it, eh? Well, if that was good enough for Democrats in the past it must be good enough for Republicans today. This is the very definition of conservatism.
1
The Republicans that vote yes have no conscience, no honor, no courage, and no sense of their own preservation.
4
There does not seem to be any indication that the Republican base is clamoring or to repeal the ACA. On the contrary there are indications that they don't want to loose insurance. The Republicans are using the "base" as an excuse to eliminate an entitlement and provide tax cuts for the wealthy.
Repeal "Obamacare" was used as years a dog whistle for 7 years to rally the base, but without Obama it has lost its punch.
Repeal "Obamacare" was used as years a dog whistle for 7 years to rally the base, but without Obama it has lost its punch.
Of the negative stories of premiums and deductibles that have gone up under Obamacare, I do have to wonder whether these people have actual ACA policies or work policies that have gone up. Many of us on ACA polices also receive an income determined subsidy. Even then, my policy and deductible has remained essentially unchanged over 4 years. It's worth noting also that California has embraced and supported the ACA and, as a result, has a very stable market.
1
It is your subsidy that has caused my taxes and my premium to go up.
Come on, John McCain! Stand up for the common citizens! Be The Maverick, and stop this garbage bill in its tracks. Demand better of your party! You have JUST experienced the health scares ALL people must endure. Can you see that health care MUST be a national right? Bring it on, John McCain! Please (after a long string of disappointments) restore my admiration of you and your career.
5
McCain is a great American, I agree. But if he pits his patriotic strength in favor of this repulsive "Better" healthcare bill, I am not going to be happy with him. I would consider it a tragic mistake for McCain to place himself on the wrong side of history. He should consider his own gold-plated medical care financed by the very taxpayers he would be depriving of life.
3
For me, this vote is the test of whether McCain should be remembered as a basically decent guy who had the misfortune of being crammed into a narrow and ignorant ideological box through the "evolution" of his party, or a reprehensible, run-of-the-mill politician with no moral compass whatsoever.
I think that it is extremely sad that John McCain who is so wealthy and can afford the best treatment for his cancer, is traveling back to the senate so he can vote on a health care bill that would deny treatment for the least able to afford health care.
3
This is the time to find out who among the Republicans actually possesses a shred of integrity. You don't have a plan. Ramming this through to fulfill a half-baked promise you should not have made in the first place is dishonest and will put millions of Americans at risk. Even debating the issue is a waste of our taxpayer dollars since you don't have a plan that every member has had time to review. We need three adults among the Republican party, and I know that is a tall order for this crowd.
4
The attack on ACA has from the beginning been an attack on former president Obama--how dare a black man become president? It has morphed into an attack on tens of millions of Americans who don't have the money to buy health insurance in the wonderful open market. But the GOP is certain that anyone who can't afford open-market prices is a bad person. Well, I can't. And I don't have employer-based insurance--and am not likely to get any, as I am 60 and no one in Washington will hire someone my age.
7
I was paying $700 plus for Obamacare for someone 50 plus. My exchange has very few options. I was thrilled to get health insurance through my employer, but have been told is not being offered next year. I am open to other solutions but what are they?
JDL- the problem is simply that the government has fixed the prices for medicare and medicaid, an ENORMOUS percent of our population, and the rates are way too low, yet the recipients demand so much care that the spending is tremendous. That monopoly has ruined the marketplace. That is why you see the problems that you do.
If McCain votes to proceed on the debate, it will be a sad epitaph for a mediocre career. Hero, yes. But a mediocre senator.
2
I don't know why people insist on calling McCain a hero, any more say than a teacher with a heart toiling for success for his/her kids, against great odds, in an inner city school.
Nothing will get done. Republicans represent the wealthy, no matter what they tell you, and the wealthy could care less whether you or your family live or die, and frankly, neither do the Republicans.
3
So John McCain, who has excellent health insurance, is rising from his sickbed to return to DC to vote for Trumpcare, which would deprive 20 million-plus Americans of their health insurance.
1
A doctor is deemed compromised when it is decided by his peers that he is incapable to perform his duties, mentally or physically to take care of his patients. Now Senator McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer and he has already shown serious symptom by his bizarre questioning during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. So one has to assume he is already compromised. Allowing him to vote that is crucial in deciding healthcare affecting millions of citizens is tantamount to dereliction of his Senatorial duty towards the well-being of his people. But then he may not even be aware of his compromised status. His fellow Republicans are more responsible if they allow him to vote on a major issue like healthcare. But they are so unscrupulous that they may even suggest to McCain how he should vote. The fact that he may support this Bill is like a vote for the guy who questioned his patriotism and called him a loser for becoming a war prisoner. Or maybe he just wants to make sure that this healthcare does not pass. A few hours now and we'll know which way the wind is blowing. Meanwhile, fingers crossed.
2
All due respect and appreciation for Senator McCain's service to U.S., but for a person with multiple "pre-existing's" to fly across the country in order to cast a vote that will allow affordable health insurance to be taken away from 22M-32M fellow citizens is reprehensible and shameful. So much for him standing up for hearings and regular order.
3
Its fascinating to watch the GOP 1. continue to aggressively waste taxpayers money while 2. not listening to the majority of said taxpayers.
Someone needs to take them back to watch some Schoolhouse Rock epsiodes so they may finally understand what government is and how it works. Something about "for the people, by the people"....
Someone needs to take them back to watch some Schoolhouse Rock epsiodes so they may finally understand what government is and how it works. Something about "for the people, by the people"....
The GOP faithful are probably beside themselves with glee. The drama. The last minute vote by their stalwart survivor John McCain. The excitement!
Trump, of course, will sign pretty much anything. It's just SO WONDERFUL to have a President that is so flexible. (Joke, of course; most REAL PEOPLE have ethics, principles, policies, ...) Not Trump! Way to go!
1
Maybe McCain will vote "NO," and emphatically stick it to his so-called Republican Party.
1
To all Senators, including my Senator Cory Gardner, proceed at your own peril.
We are prepared to go to war over this in defense of our fellow Americans.
We are not going to let our great country become a plutocratic joke.
We are prepared to go to war over this in defense of our fellow Americans.
We are not going to let our great country become a plutocratic joke.
Three times the Congress voted against this atrocious anti-healthcare bill, and today they will push it through anyway. Americans be warned: all the rest (Boy Scouts of America, Kushner, Minafort, Sessions, McCain, etc...) is sideshow for the media. Our democracy is being undermined. Shame on the US Senate!
If Senator McCain votes with McConnell today, he'll go down in history as the very embodiment of rank hypocrisy.
1
While Congress is voting to take away healthcare from millions of citizens, perhaps it will make us feel a little better to sign a petition taking away their platinum medical plan:
https://www.change.org/p/remove-health-care-subsidies-for-members-of-con...
https://www.change.org/p/remove-health-care-subsidies-for-members-of-con...
I wonder how McCain can vote in a manner that will deprive people of healthcare, while he spends his time deciding his options for top notch treatment.
Let me see if I understand this correctly. Senator McCain who is currently receiving the highest level of medical care paid for with government health insurance, is returning from surgery to cast his vote for removing 22 million people from their health insurance. Did I get it right?
Sorry! But what is Senator McCain trying to prove? His will, his tenacity, martyrdom, his sense of duty, his patriotism? By coming to vote though his mental faculties are questionable, he is damaging his stellar reputation to put Party over Country first. I hope for his sake he will vote against so he does'nt tarnish his image, as a patriot and as a maverick.
1
Senator McCain: This could be your finest hour yet. Be a true HERO to the vast majority of Americans by voting NO. Or risk forever being known more for your enabling role in the demise of Americans' health, mental, and financial well-being that will diminish your courage in Vietnam. Today, you could show you are a true leader...... or your true sheep-ness to the evil McConnell and trump. DO THE RIGHT THING, SIR. Or advocate that everyone gets the same health coverage you and your family and colleagues enjoy. The only path to take is IMPROVE the ACA, not repeal or replace it. Why is that so wrong?
2
So John McCain, who is getting world-class cancer treatment paid for by the American people, is travelling across the continent to help deprive 22-30 million Americans of health care coverage. I wish him well with his cancer treatment but I think it's way past time to stop idolizing him.
John McCain views himself as doing something heroic. He is a patriot, but often a very poorly informed one.
In contrast, McConnell, who likely manipulated McCain's patriotism to convince him to fly back to vote, not only is no patriot, but also apparently sees McCain as only a number.
If McCain is harmed by brain swelling or bleeding due to this travel and forced to give up his Senate seat, the Republican Governor of Arizona will appoint another Republican, perhaps the cruel one who called for McCain to resign (perhaps therefore taunting him to make this trip at the risk of his health), so McConnell keeps his 52 votes no matter what. If there were a chance of a Democrat replacing McCain, McConnell would have been more protective of McCain's health.
In contrast, McConnell, who likely manipulated McCain's patriotism to convince him to fly back to vote, not only is no patriot, but also apparently sees McCain as only a number.
If McCain is harmed by brain swelling or bleeding due to this travel and forced to give up his Senate seat, the Republican Governor of Arizona will appoint another Republican, perhaps the cruel one who called for McCain to resign (perhaps therefore taunting him to make this trip at the risk of his health), so McConnell keeps his 52 votes no matter what. If there were a chance of a Democrat replacing McCain, McConnell would have been more protective of McCain's health.
Because the current system places so much of the payment responsibility on individuals, any health issue can quickly become financially catastrophic for individuals and families. It's almost like we're all playing Russian roulette just by existing in the world.
The debate is about how much risk we should share collectively, and the American people seem to be gravitating towards a position that looks to be at odds with what the Republicans in the Senate and House are saying. That raises the other issue at play here, namely that Congresspeople are elected to represent their *consituents,* not their party. They should remember that.
The debate is about how much risk we should share collectively, and the American people seem to be gravitating towards a position that looks to be at odds with what the Republicans in the Senate and House are saying. That raises the other issue at play here, namely that Congresspeople are elected to represent their *consituents,* not their party. They should remember that.
9
This is a horror show. I hope to heavens that voters across American think long and hard about this. We will do well to remember which legislators caused this chaos and which legislators had our backs --starting with the very next election and continuing until Lying Trump and his crooked minions try to pull the wool over our eyes in the next presidential election.
7
This is a vote to "open discussion?" That's a vote that's practically impossible for republicans at least, to vote NO on. What a TV charade. It's like voting whether you think the sun will come up in the morning. It's not an action that affects health care policy. We're having a front page national debate and endless tv time over whether republicans will open a vote to CONSIDER a republican bill? That's the crazy thing.
1
The irony is that those people in Congress voting against the health care bill all have medical insurance.
5
I hope McCain takes the opportunity to deliver heart-to-heart speech on the danger Trump and company pose to the county he has served so admirably. Perhaps he can awaken the collective conscience of his fellow Republicans and those who voted Trump into the office that should be reserved for the best of us, not the smallest.
Just do it, John, please
Just do it, John, please
5
Unfortunately, this isn't the movies.
It is absolutely false that the "American people" voted for repeal of ACA, or even repeal and replace.
That hollow cry of a majority vote has its supposed "logic" in looking at bodies elected to office from artifacts and counting systems developed in the days of the poll tax. Our president did NOT receive a majority vote -- just the vote of the electoral college and a loss of millions in the popular vote. Our House of representatives has a GOP because of gerrymandered system -- millions of Democrats do not have their voices heard because of a geographic lockout engineered by the GOP. The Senate? Oh, yeah, thinly populated states have the same voice in the country's decision making as those with ten and more times the population.
Could someone please start explaining math to those politicians who proclaim that they reflect a "majority" view -- well, maybe it will be a majority if all the poor folks are left to die off with no health care.
Deplorable! Yes, it is!
That hollow cry of a majority vote has its supposed "logic" in looking at bodies elected to office from artifacts and counting systems developed in the days of the poll tax. Our president did NOT receive a majority vote -- just the vote of the electoral college and a loss of millions in the popular vote. Our House of representatives has a GOP because of gerrymandered system -- millions of Democrats do not have their voices heard because of a geographic lockout engineered by the GOP. The Senate? Oh, yeah, thinly populated states have the same voice in the country's decision making as those with ten and more times the population.
Could someone please start explaining math to those politicians who proclaim that they reflect a "majority" view -- well, maybe it will be a majority if all the poor folks are left to die off with no health care.
Deplorable! Yes, it is!
3
Health care is not a right. Freedom of speech, religion and such are rights but not health care. Any loose discussion of health care as a right triggers resistance in right wingers because of what they believe to be their 'dedication' to the constitution.
However, since we are being 'managed' now by a businessman we should take a look at how he intends to compete. All of our 'competitors' offer national healthcare systems that seem to work pretty well. How can we 'compete'?
If our 'management' is incapable of competing we should say 'You're fired!'
However, since we are being 'managed' now by a businessman we should take a look at how he intends to compete. All of our 'competitors' offer national healthcare systems that seem to work pretty well. How can we 'compete'?
If our 'management' is incapable of competing we should say 'You're fired!'
2
Trump accused Ted Cruz's father of complicity in the JFK assassination; he derided the courage and perseverance of John McCain while a POW in North Viet-Nam; Rand Paul was cast in a dark light, as well, by Trump. Nonetheless, these politicians prove that they have no spine to stand up to the arrogant bully who is pretending to be president. We are in a bad spot and I am not so sure our democracy will endure for much longer due to cowardice and political expediency.
3
I would like to think that the sudden horrible health problems of Senator McCain would instill in him a new understanding of how important the availabilty of health care is to all Americans and he would vote to retain ACA rather than repealing it and denying millions and millions insurance. But I suspect his days of fighting for America are over, now fighting for party seems to be everyone's main focus in life.
5
If McCain votes to allow this monstrosity to go forward, his "legacy" as an American patriot will be forever destroyed. Since the 2008 campaign, his hypocrisy and failure to lead have totally overshadowed the respect this liberal had for him, in spite of political differences. A cowardly, partisan, vote that will (literally) kill many Americans in an attempt to save McConnell's and Trump's political bacon will cement his legacy completely and totally in the mud. It will be impossible even to wish him well in his continued health struggles, given that he will be ensuring that (literally) millions of Americans will have no access to even basic care, much less the Cadillac care that their taxes have made possible for him.
6
What has Sen. McCain been promised?
5
That Trump will name a battleship after him.
I hope that Senator McCain thinks what it would be like for him and his family if he did not have good in insurance and Medicare when he votes.
11
This entire event is an exercise in futility.
First, the Republican Party in its core (I won't say "heart".) believes that government should not provide health care.
Second, while the Affordable Care Act is flawed, it makes infinitely more sense to improve, rather than repeal, it.
Third, Trump publicly (And loudly - or perhaps bigly.) promised a health care bill that would be simpler, better, cheaper, and which would cover every single American. The Republican mess is not even close.
The real tragedy is that Trump, when elected, probably had enough political capital to actually get a better bill put in place, had he worked with Democrats. But Donald is all about fighting and tweeting. He gets nothing done. His record since election speaks for itself. He's a loser.
First, the Republican Party in its core (I won't say "heart".) believes that government should not provide health care.
Second, while the Affordable Care Act is flawed, it makes infinitely more sense to improve, rather than repeal, it.
Third, Trump publicly (And loudly - or perhaps bigly.) promised a health care bill that would be simpler, better, cheaper, and which would cover every single American. The Republican mess is not even close.
The real tragedy is that Trump, when elected, probably had enough political capital to actually get a better bill put in place, had he worked with Democrats. But Donald is all about fighting and tweeting. He gets nothing done. His record since election speaks for itself. He's a loser.
8
Maybe politicians who support the ACA should bluntly call the repeal efforts what they are: Big Government corruption. All of the pending Republican bills take away Americans' medical care to bestow government largess on Big Money campaign contributors. If that's not corruption, I don't know what is.
6
These are stalling tactics, but in the meantime the healthcare and health insurance market becomes destabilized. If the Democrats don't find a way to stop the Republican destructiveness, they won't win any elections.
4
John McCain was heroic once before in his life. Today he should stand in front of the Senate and speak for the American people and protect their health insurance. Years ago he stood by his fellow soldiers. Today he has the opportunity to stand by his constituents and fellow Americans and protect them by denying McConnel and Trump their vicious attack on Obamacare. A hero once again.
9
I'm wondering what John McCain's medical bills look like about now, & also wondering how he imagines a minimum wage worker meeting that sort of expense for a family member who doesn't happen to have an army of corporate lobbyists pouring cash into various inscrutable accounts for him to use.
"If finances are a problem, you just shop around for a better deal!"?
Freedom indeed.
"If finances are a problem, you just shop around for a better deal!"?
Freedom indeed.
10
I find it ineffably fascinating to know that John McCain is riding into the senate to cast a vote on healthcare. No one seems to know which way he is going. But I can't help but wonder if his thinking has been turning on the quality and cost of the care that he has the good fortune to be currently receiving. And if so, then how can he live with himself?
5
The ACA has been a godsend to my family and to the many low-income residents of my town. A nephew who had testicular cancer at age 19 was able to obtain health insurance at last. Older relatives with cancer are able to remain insured. Many friends and neighbors are able to see a doctor for the first time in years. The emergency room of my local hospital is no longer crushed with people waiting for routine care for their children's illnesses. What manner of human wants to throw all of these people back on the street without care? What kind of country to they want to live in?
7
A lot of folks are making points about McCain's illness, that it should inspire him to vote no. They are saying it would demonstrate character. If he had any character he would have rejected the Republican party decades ago. It is the party of hate. It is the party of lies. It is the party of thieves. It is the party of hypocrites. If he had integrity he would reject conservatism and embrace the compassion found among progressives and liberals. He won't. I think it's foolish to think he will even vote no. All Republicans, no matter their past, are evil. A party that purposely hurts people cannot have any other kind of person in it.
8
When will the American people finally learn that the GOP is NOT on their side? How do you vote for Trump against your own interests, first of which your access to accessible health insurance? Is it the profound assumption that health insurance is a minority entitlement, so being in the same market group, let alone in the same sentence, enough to shun universal health coverage?
Subjectively, Obamacare is the solution to the health care problem, but it needs to be revisited with a bi-partisan effort.
Yet, the American people have chosen clearly. They want Trump & Co. to yield to the rich instead of the needy.
SHAME ON YOU, AMERICA.
Subjectively, Obamacare is the solution to the health care problem, but it needs to be revisited with a bi-partisan effort.
Yet, the American people have chosen clearly. They want Trump & Co. to yield to the rich instead of the needy.
SHAME ON YOU, AMERICA.
5
It is beyond despicable that this is taking place with only a fig leaf's worth of time for public debate. What kind of pressure did it take to force the holdouts to...er...reconsider their position? So much for “I did not come to Washington to hurt people.”
And no doubt the not-so-grand-old-party will proudly continue to describe itself as "pro-life" even as it seeks to curtail or cut off health care for millions of Americans -- without seeing even the tiniest hint of irony, much less hypocrisy.
And no doubt the not-so-grand-old-party will proudly continue to describe itself as "pro-life" even as it seeks to curtail or cut off health care for millions of Americans -- without seeing even the tiniest hint of irony, much less hypocrisy.
3
I hope McCain's health, and the hospital bills he can see accumulate because of his brain tumor, signals to him how vital health care is to everyone. The challenge he faces is the toughest one so far, but he has faced other difficult challenges and survived to use his powerful position to do good things. His stand on torture comes to mind. He was tortured so he know the horror firsthand. Now, faced with another crucial test, I hope he makes the right choice and votes down this horrible bill that will devastate millions of Americans.
3
For those of you whose premiums have doubled under ACA, just imagine what will happen with TurmpCare or just with repeal. No one will sell you insurance, if they do it will cost 5 times the ACA premiums, and they will probably sell you insurance that does not pay for anything you are likely need insurance for.
Folks, medical care cost is skyrocketing, and that needs addressing. However, not having a comprehensive health care insurance is not going to reduce the cost of medical care. Everyone must be required to buy medical insurance otherwise people buy insurance only when they become sick or are already sick. That model is not sustainable.
Folks, medical care cost is skyrocketing, and that needs addressing. However, not having a comprehensive health care insurance is not going to reduce the cost of medical care. Everyone must be required to buy medical insurance otherwise people buy insurance only when they become sick or are already sick. That model is not sustainable.
5
Lucky for McCain he didn't have to use the Republican version of the healthcare plan. The Republicans want to take away from others as long as they themselves have what they need. It feels like the GOP has a PERSONAL hatred for the ACA, and they are willing to hurt millions just because of their personal hatred. They should be forced to use whatever plan they put in place.
2
Mitch has lead this initiative with secrecy, closed door meetings among republicans only, sharing of provisions with democratic law makers, media and healthcare industry with very short notice, and unjustifiably short or no debate on the senate floor.
Why call today's initiative "a procedural vote" while Mitch and his republican allies have done everything within their power to abandon time honored procedures of law making?
Why call today's initiative "a procedural vote" while Mitch and his republican allies have done everything within their power to abandon time honored procedures of law making?
3
This is the three strikes, Mitch is out set of votes. Even were the R's to get a hit on one, they have no plan on how to run to first base.
1
The continued slipperiness and sleaziness of how the GOP healthcare maneuvering is unfolding is difficult to understand and impossible to justify. Secrecy and dark-of-night tactics only emphasize how questionable their motives are.
Given that DJT, for spite and malice, is determined to bleed all life out of the ACA through incremental eliminations, it might almost be better if the GOP outright kills it and then completely owns, without any ambiguity, the debacle they will bring to all of us, except, of course, the wealthy who will gain enormously from their tax benefits. I honestly don't know what is worse, a deliberate withering-away of the ACA to prove it can be done (spite), or a sudden and nasty dismemberment of healthcare, thus throwing our country into chaos.
Politics-by-spite is not democracy, it is just spite and sinking to the very lowest levels.
When will both parties grow back-bones and act for the good of the country and not to benefit the lobbyists and themselves?
Given that DJT, for spite and malice, is determined to bleed all life out of the ACA through incremental eliminations, it might almost be better if the GOP outright kills it and then completely owns, without any ambiguity, the debacle they will bring to all of us, except, of course, the wealthy who will gain enormously from their tax benefits. I honestly don't know what is worse, a deliberate withering-away of the ACA to prove it can be done (spite), or a sudden and nasty dismemberment of healthcare, thus throwing our country into chaos.
Politics-by-spite is not democracy, it is just spite and sinking to the very lowest levels.
When will both parties grow back-bones and act for the good of the country and not to benefit the lobbyists and themselves?
1
Between the knowledge that current government doesn't care about me; and experience showing that medicine will cheerfully rob me blind; and the suspicion that police are so nervous they will fire at anything that moves--remind me again, just who is on my side?
3
A handful of GOP senators who have expressed their outrage and compassion for their constituents may now "swallow hard" and toe the party line to safeguard their careers even though millions will suffer.
John McCain has the opportunity to put a courageous stop to this travesty and give his blessing to extending the excellent medical care he has received to the rest of the nation.
John McCain has the opportunity to put a courageous stop to this travesty and give his blessing to extending the excellent medical care he has received to the rest of the nation.
2
I have lost all respect for all Republicans in Congress. The fact that they are even considering such an egregious threat to the health of their constituents turns my stomach. How can they not hold Trump to the promises he made on the campaign trail? They are as guilty of lying as Trump is by association. Shame.
1
Health Care...
It is a mess. All - ALL - the wrong incentives are in play. This is not something the congress can fix.
If we are serious about health care, we must start over and...
SEARCH for the incentives that matter, starting with the patient and the physician.
We have the best care and the worst care, and this makes no sense.
Not one reporter has asked the questions that matter.
Not one.
It is a mess. All - ALL - the wrong incentives are in play. This is not something the congress can fix.
If we are serious about health care, we must start over and...
SEARCH for the incentives that matter, starting with the patient and the physician.
We have the best care and the worst care, and this makes no sense.
Not one reporter has asked the questions that matter.
Not one.
1
Yet another repeal and replace vote. Let's hope this one fails like all the others.
1
I think today all eyes will be on Senator McCain to see if he will put the interests of the American people over the interests of his own party. I cannot recall how many times in the past months hearing that this bill is or will be DOA before even hitting the floor. The amount of money and time wasted on hurting so many Americans is staggering. I never felt this depressed during the Nixon era and in hindsight, those were "glamor" days in comparison. What a horrible, scary and sad time we are currently living in. The last time I felt this helpless was in the 60s.
3
If the Senate votes to allow debate on the bill, I pray that Democrats will then offer their own amendment/substitute bill which would focus on the technical fixes that all know the ACA needs. Republicans will likely vote it down (though maybe there are just enough -- Collins, Heller, etc. -- to pass it) -- but if so at least that gives Dems talking points going forward. "We tried to improve the ACA and they wouldn't let us." Also removes they "obstructionist" charge -- false as it is. If all that fails, call in the Parlimentarian's rulings on what can't be part of this bill under Senate rules.
1
Anyone who votes to repeal had better be comfortable with the idea that hospitals will have to pick up the costs. This fantasy that if you repeal the bill the costs will somehow disappear is the worst kind of magical thinking. All these "there's no free lunch" hard-nosed pragmatists who want to eat a free lunch all of a sudden.
1
One path to redemption for the long-serving McCain would be to bring a halt to all this nonsense before he dies. Every present republican idea about our health care system is a complete and utter disaster and in no way benefits the vast majority of the American people. I respect McCain's service, disagree with him often. But this is a rare opportunity to do something that is unquestionably right. Shut it down. Vote against the party. When you're finally dying, you can finally be free, no longer beholden to people who are literally soulless.
Ah, John McCain. Millionaire, multi-house owner, able to pay for whatever health care needs he has. What a fine voice for the people, you know the ones who can't afford one house, who budget their money so they can eat from week-to-week, and who, if faced with the terrible diagnosis John McCain received, if they could even afford to get a diagnosis, would languish away in their own solitary existence.
3
Now that John McCain has had the benefit of the best health care money can buy, he is headed to the Senate to vote to deprive millions of Americans of even the basic healthcare services. Where is the justice in that?
1
McCain, covered himself by a tax payer funded 'Cadillac' health plan and world-class care, interrupts his necessary medical treatment and flies in to enable kicking millions of poor Americans off much lower level health care. Tens of thousands will die prematurely if this goes through.
Does McCain understand that this scene will be emblematic for him and his legacy? It will be remembered as one of the most powerful symbols of a particular political position for generations to come. It will overshadow anything McCain stood for until now.
Does McCain understand that this scene will be emblematic for him and his legacy? It will be remembered as one of the most powerful symbols of a particular political position for generations to come. It will overshadow anything McCain stood for until now.
3
McCain 's cognition and sound judgement is in Question right now. He should've recused himself from voting on important healthcare legislation that will affect millions of lives.
Sad, putting politics over his own health. he doesn't value or respect his own health, how much less others. GOP are bunch of losers, the procedural motion will fail on it's face.
Sad, putting politics over his own health. he doesn't value or respect his own health, how much less others. GOP are bunch of losers, the procedural motion will fail on it's face.
1
McCain has made a calculated and cynical career of appearing as a maverick on the talk shows and becoming a favorite quotable source while voting the party line. also, he gave us sarah palin as a vp nominee. his record is a disgrace to his office.
Medicare and Social Security were revised after they were initially introduced, because the test in the real world revealed issues. Part D prescription coverage's passage under George Bush is just one example. Obamacare is no different - it's not perfect but that's no reason to kill it and take insurance away from millions of Americans!
With the issue of whether to repeal Obamacare becoming _the_ signature and single issue driving the Republicans right now, the GOP does miss one obvious fact about threatening their moderate middle:
The Collins, Murkowskis, and Hellers of the Senate, in not voting for the procedural, will probably be threatened to be 'primaried' in their next elections. Yawn. As the GOP continues to move hard to the right, I'm sure the Democrats have plenty of room for 1-3 hated-by-the-party 'RINO' Senators who at this point might as _well_ be Democrats. Not only will they not be primaried then, they'll be embraced as heroes by the opposing party, and the Republicans will lose their majority in the Senate.
The GOP really ought to stop abusing their moderates. This isn't that farfetched a scenario.
The Collins, Murkowskis, and Hellers of the Senate, in not voting for the procedural, will probably be threatened to be 'primaried' in their next elections. Yawn. As the GOP continues to move hard to the right, I'm sure the Democrats have plenty of room for 1-3 hated-by-the-party 'RINO' Senators who at this point might as _well_ be Democrats. Not only will they not be primaried then, they'll be embraced as heroes by the opposing party, and the Republicans will lose their majority in the Senate.
The GOP really ought to stop abusing their moderates. This isn't that farfetched a scenario.
Why is the Senate wasting so much time on this repeal nonsense? The vast majority of Americans want the ACA to be improved, not repealed. All those senators with their tax-payer funded healthcare should be listening to their constituents. This is grandstanding, not helped by our lunatic president who doesn't even bother to understand what's at stake.
2
Part of me thinks it would be better for the country politically if the GOP passed this disastrous bill, so that voters would wake up and vote the lying, traitorous demagogues out. But the GOP's political suicide is not worth this on-the-ground reality: more people are going to die from lack of healthcare in this country. That is beyond shameful and the President's and Republican controlled Congress' callousness is incomprehensible to me.
1
Folks like Dean Heller, Jeff Flake, and , yes, John McClain love to come off all Mavericky Maverick. When they're coming up for reelection. The rest of the time they vote knee-jerk cynical, straight party line Republican. The only way to get Senators that listen to their constituencies is to vote these reactionaries out and replace them with Senators who will listen! Either primary them out and/or vote for Democrats. Obamacare & Medicaid expansion saved my life a couple of times. If it needs impovements, don't abandon the baby with the bathwater! I'm from Arizona and I vote.
16 men trying to define 1/6th of the economy and this is literally what is wrong with America. First it was party over country now it is money over everything. This is disgusting.
2
The way this is being done breaks my heart. Is there no honor among politicians? That this is being done breaks my heart. When did politicians become so self serving?
There was a lot of public expression of sympathy for McCain when word of his diagnosis emerged. I was indifferent, because I think that singling someone out for public sympathy among the millions who daily receive a terminal diagnosis should be reserved for those who have displayed concern for others in their lives. McCain started out adulthood trying to kill Vietnamese who never did anything to him or the US in a war of aggression. His Senate career consisted of supporting the usual heartless GOP causes and reached its zenith when he chose Trump's female alter-ego, Palin, as his running mate. His lengthy stint as a POW, though not the abuse once he was rendered harmless, was totally deserved. I wonder how many hypothetical Vietnamese pilots would have even been allowed to live if they were captured after bombing runs anywhere in the US. Unfortunately, his years as a prisoner did not make him a more reflective and humane being. Instead he seemed to want ever more wars as the solution to international problems. That he is making this effort to make sure others are deprived of the healthcare he has always gotten from the government is further testimony to why he should be scorned and shunned instead of given sympathy.
I hope Senator McCain is returning to vote no on the disastrous healthcare bill the Senate has built. Maybe his recent experience has shown him the gravity of having decent healthcare in an hour of need.
2
I sincerely respect Senator McCain for his life of service to our country, which is what makes this spectacle so disheartening. Is this really the legacy he wants to leave? This, and Sarah Palin?
2
They (GOP) are proceeding to try to take away healthcare from 22 million (over) 7 or so years. So we will be like a frog boiling in a locked car in the summer and they hope we do not notice . Then in the recess Trump will appoint an AG to fire Mueller, an honorable man, while the party only of the richest 1 % slink off. This party will become pariahs among almost all Americans . They should move to Russia where it is a plutocracy of dishonorable thieves.
If Mitch McConnell has his way and passes a repeal, the politicians in D.C. and perhaps locally around the country can look forward to having their constituents who are sick and have no insurance to literally come to their offices and die in their chairs. This will happen and I can imagine the news reel footage now.
"So great that John McCain is coming back to vote. Brave - American hero!"
He wasn't an American hero to Trump when he was captured, but now he is !
Let's hope John McCain votes NO and shows he still has a spine and is still willing to take it on the chin for the US.
He wasn't an American hero to Trump when he was captured, but now he is !
Let's hope John McCain votes NO and shows he still has a spine and is still willing to take it on the chin for the US.
1
Seven years. The Republicans had 7 years to come up with the fixes or something better than Obamacare. But instead of thinking, they whined. Instead of problem-solving, they indulged finger-pointing. Now they're going the nuclear option--blowing up everything just because. Immature, cruel, unforgivable.
Will McCain stand up for a right to healthcare?
Perhaps now is the time for him to co e to the aid of his country.
I'm praying this man's diagnosis and glimpse of mortality is working a miracle for the American people.
Perhaps now is the time for him to co e to the aid of his country.
I'm praying this man's diagnosis and glimpse of mortality is working a miracle for the American people.
1
Senator Portman,
I urge you to follow the advice of Governor Kasich and vote "no".
I urge you to follow the advice of Governor Kasich and vote "no".
4
Will John McCain vote to deny millions the medical coverage of which he depends?
23
Yes. And he'll be lauded as the "hero" - by a razor-thin majority in congress, and that's about it.
There is no threat that could possibly be made to the senator.
The insipid sickness of the GOP is for all to see:
Nothing matters at all except somehow getting to 50 votes in the Senate. And the truly astonishing thing is that through this entire chaotic process, the leadership has consistently had well over 40 votes, no matter what insane proposal it was contemplating. As Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina said on Monday when asked if he was worried about what was in the bill, “it doesn’t concern me. As I said, I’ll vote for anything.”
Nothing matters at all except somehow getting to 50 votes in the Senate. And the truly astonishing thing is that through this entire chaotic process, the leadership has consistently had well over 40 votes, no matter what insane proposal it was contemplating. As Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina said on Monday when asked if he was worried about what was in the bill, “it doesn’t concern me. As I said, I’ll vote for anything.”
12
Senator McCain's diagnosis means that his medical bills will exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. He is now rushing back to Washington apparently to vote in favor of bills that will cause tens of millions to be unable to afford their own medical care or insurance. Whatever his positive reputation to date, this vote vitiates his prior accomplishments. It is a vote without honor.
Note that the American hospitals, physicians, insurance companies, actuaries, medical societies, AARP, CBO and literally hundreds of others ALL testify that the actions contemplated by the Republicans will cause millions to lose access, tens of thousands to die, hundreds of thousands to declare bankruptcy and generally gut the US healthcare delivery system. Those who go in this direction have no honor. Those -- most notably Trump and McConnell -- who have lied about what is in the bill are despicable.
Note that the American hospitals, physicians, insurance companies, actuaries, medical societies, AARP, CBO and literally hundreds of others ALL testify that the actions contemplated by the Republicans will cause millions to lose access, tens of thousands to die, hundreds of thousands to declare bankruptcy and generally gut the US healthcare delivery system. Those who go in this direction have no honor. Those -- most notably Trump and McConnell -- who have lied about what is in the bill are despicable.
14
Bob, the fundamental issue with healthcare is that we spend to much on useless things. You are right, we will spend hundreds of thousands on McCain, and he is going to die of this disease regardless, and statistically within a year. That is the waste, and that is what has driven our expenditures through the roof.
Has any agency, public or private, forecast what will happen to insurance markets in the near-term if Congress repeals parts of the ACA but those repeals don't take effect until 2018-2020?
Insurance companies do business in the real world and would have to withdraw from the market sooner rather than later, no?
Insurance companies do business in the real world and would have to withdraw from the market sooner rather than later, no?
2
I do not know what Sen. John McCain's vote(s) will be. But I wonder if his recent medical procedures that are covered by insurance paid for by taxpayers might suggest that if taxpayers can pay for his insurance, perhaps it's only fair if they pay for those who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
11
I watched Senator Elizabeth Warren, addressing constituents in Massachusetts, quite accurately describe Repeal/Replace as a tax-cut plan for the wealthy, to be funded by repeal of the Affordable Care Act. After seven years, and more than 60 vote attempts, it's time for the GOP to move on. If they can't get it done while controlling the three branches of government, it's not happening.
7
I'm very disappointed in McCain. He will vote YES. Has he no compassion? Isn't he fazed by his own condition?
6
When will the GOP look in the mirror?
Really, do they truly believe that the vote will benefit America?
Millions upon millions upon millions of lives will be negatively impacted.
Only some thousands will benefit.
Only those who vote to repeal can be held accountable.
2018 is the only hope we have.
Really, do they truly believe that the vote will benefit America?
Millions upon millions upon millions of lives will be negatively impacted.
Only some thousands will benefit.
Only those who vote to repeal can be held accountable.
2018 is the only hope we have.
2
And the so-called maverick returns to vote for... taking health coverage away from millions of Americans?? Not quite the hero he has made himself to be.
8
Oh the irony that Senator McCain is well enough to return to Washington after his diagnosis to possibly vote against the very Americans whose taxes pay for him to get the very best in healthcare FOR LIFE that America offers, golden cadillac care that he and every one of his colleagues enjoys.
That Senate and House Republicans refuse to even try to adapt or fix for the better the ACA, which was debated openly in town halls and marketed as a good start upon which to build a better system, despite its imperfections, is despicable, and a craven and deliberate choice that is beyond the pale.
That Senate and House Republicans refuse to even try to adapt or fix for the better the ACA, which was debated openly in town halls and marketed as a good start upon which to build a better system, despite its imperfections, is despicable, and a craven and deliberate choice that is beyond the pale.
6
The Republican leadership health care proposal will fail eventually.
The only purpose of the votes is to officially record those for and those against so reprisals can begin.
5
What am I missing?
What prevented the Senate from beginning the debate on healthcare immediately after inauguration? Why have seven months gone by, only to require a vote on whether or not to simply debate options?
Isn't this where it should have begun? And why is a vote to "begin" even required?
And if public sentiment has changed toward the ACA, then why hang on to now useless campaigns promises (repeal the ACA)?
It's stunning how much time has been wasted, when there is so much good that could be done on behalf of the majority of citizens. You can't run a business like that. Well, you could, and the business would fail.
The WSJ had a good article today on the ascendancy of China on the world stage. Communists or not, they are moving ahead as we stand still. In the race between the tortoise and the hare, the hare had to at least take steps, no matter how slow.
And China aside, the US is descending in the eyes of the world under Trump. Trade deals are being made, the world is moving forward. So why not the US?
It's embarrassing, or enraging, or both.
What prevented the Senate from beginning the debate on healthcare immediately after inauguration? Why have seven months gone by, only to require a vote on whether or not to simply debate options?
Isn't this where it should have begun? And why is a vote to "begin" even required?
And if public sentiment has changed toward the ACA, then why hang on to now useless campaigns promises (repeal the ACA)?
It's stunning how much time has been wasted, when there is so much good that could be done on behalf of the majority of citizens. You can't run a business like that. Well, you could, and the business would fail.
The WSJ had a good article today on the ascendancy of China on the world stage. Communists or not, they are moving ahead as we stand still. In the race between the tortoise and the hare, the hare had to at least take steps, no matter how slow.
And China aside, the US is descending in the eyes of the world under Trump. Trade deals are being made, the world is moving forward. So why not the US?
It's embarrassing, or enraging, or both.
10
Interesting that an insurance company executive sounds more humane than Trump. I blame the GOP for holding the health of Americans hostage to the whims of their unstable so-called president. None of the fuss about the ACA was ever about how to deliver care more efficiently to more people. It was always about Trump's obsession with Obama, and the GOP's obsession with destroying benefit programs.
7
Why do Republicans not get irony? Of all people, John McCain, who has received the best health care and continues to receive the best health care the country has to offer, can't see that his yes vote takes health care away from those who need it most? Why would he would want his legacy to be he purposely took health care away from millions of Americans? Every thing else he has ever done in the Senate will be forgotten. This will be his legacy and it makes no sense.
12
Maybe after his recent experience and his current situation, he's coming back to vote no to the lousy Senate bill.
Yes, the ACA needs to be fixed—because the United States should join the rest of the developed world in ensuring universal healthcare as a basic human right. This is not a question of *if* it can be done, when so many other countries much less rich than the United States have managed it long ago. Otherwise, the basic conversation we need to have, which is masked by talk about choice and markets and so on, is: Who should *not* be able to get healthcare, and what is the rationale for making that determination?
7
As so many others have already noted here, my husband and I are also independent contractors who rely on the ACA for healthcare for ourselves and our two children. We work hard, pay taxes and are conscientious, involved citizens. There are scores of us out here, esp in creative and tech jobs. Why is the GOP so determined to throw independent, successful contractors under the bus? Especially when this is the bulk of work offered by their touted "job creators"?! I fear mightily for our future.
9
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2017/jul/25/us-health...
Check out the graph that shows how health care spending in the US has risen precipitously while life expectancy has declined. Unlike the situation in other developed nations. Look at our Senators and Congress persons and see the reason why.
Check out the graph that shows how health care spending in the US has risen precipitously while life expectancy has declined. Unlike the situation in other developed nations. Look at our Senators and Congress persons and see the reason why.
5
The real issue that neither the Republicans or Democrats have effectively addressed is how to reduce the high cost of medical care without significantly reducing coverage. The ACA while affording coverage for many who could not previously afford it did nothing for many who had employer coverage, but now find that they are paying significantly more than they did before the ACA. No cap on coverage, no penalty for preexisting conditions and children on the policy until age 26 are all good things, but it's the cost of medical care that is and always has been the real issue. There must be an in depth government study on why healthcare is so costly, then fashion a bill that specifically addresses those problems. Hidden agendas and lobyist must be ignored if we are to solve this issues that untuilmately affects all Americans.
2
I would like to see the Republicans take back Congress and vote no to start debate on the healthcare bill. While the Executive and Legislative Branches were established as separate entities, it appears that Mr. Trump views Congress as part of his own organization and not as a body independent of his wishes. I would like the Senate reestablish themselves as statesmen, who make decisions that are in the best interest of the country.
2
The "time for action" was 7 years ago. The GOP should have been using the time since the implementation of the ACA to either fix it or create something better. Something this complicated can't be related in a month.
2
I think that John McCain realizes that he will not be up for reelection when his current term expires. Maybe he'll surprise us and vote for what his heart (and the numerous people in Arizona who, throught the ACA, now have medical insurance) thinks is right. Wouldn't that be a pleasant surprise!
7
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), presumably received health-care benefits as a member of the armed forces and as an elected official. While ObamaCare is not perfect, McCain might want to vote to preserve ObamaCare so that other Americans can have the kind of benefits McCain has received. The senator should think about the needs of his fellow citizens.
4
They had seven years and it's all coming down to a Hail Mary with the Republicans not even knowing the play. But this isn't a game. There are lives and livelihoods at stake, and some closed-door secret "we'll figure it out tomorrow" approach isn't remotely a good strategy for solving the health care problem in American. The GOP should scrap their dreams of Repeal/Replace and work together with the Democrats to fix the problems of the ACA or Medicare for all.
4
John McCain voting to allow the Senate to proceed with removing health care for tens of millions of vulnerable citizens and then going home to take full advantage of his personal, gold-plated, taxpayer-funded healthcare perfectly encapsulates how the GOP and administration view America.
7
I like the idea of the Senate voting on their health care bill. I want each and every Senator to be on the record as having voted for, or against, the bill. The 22 million people who will lose their health care deserve to know who voted against their health, and in many cases, their lives. And the other 300 million Americans, who might not lose their coverage today, but who will be at the mercy of insurance corporations, also deserve to know who voted yea or nay.
Go ahead and vote, Senators. The whole country is watching.
Go ahead and vote, Senators. The whole country is watching.
Are Republican Senators actually voting for a bill the vast majority of whom has never seen?
Where did the Party of Lincoln and Eisenhower go?
Where did the Party of Lincoln and Eisenhower go?
1
Why, why, why is single payer *still* not in the Democratic Party's platform? There was hardly a word about health care in the big announcement this week. This would have been a golden opportunity to present a health care plan that a majority of the country actually supports. Could it be the money congressional Democrats take from the health insurance industry?
1
Single payer? As long as congress is bought and paid for by the insurance industry it will never happen. You do not have to buy everyone only enough,and there are plenty of men and women ready to welcome the support
If Obamacare had been a successful healthcare insurance plan, there would be no need to fix it. It was a wonderful plan until it was not. Doctors stopped accepting patients, premiums rose to high levels that were impossible for many patients, coverage declined in quality while costs soared. As those who are affected negatively, they will tell you they are very unhappy with their insurance. Those who are benefiting are bearing little cost so of course they would be happy. The majority are not benefitting much to their dismay. To make matters worse, people were forced to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. They should be able to make their own decision about buying it or not. The government should not tell them what to do. What happened to our democratic rights?
INo one in places like Canada, Switzerland, or Germany is complaining about "losing" their "democratic rights" while they gladly pay for largely successful national health care systems that cost far less than ours and have far better outcomes. Do you complain about having to buy car insurance? Or pay taxes for social security or Medicare? I didn't think so. It's not the ACA that is making life difficult for people; it's the health care system, dominated by insurance companies. The law doesn't set prices for insurance, care and medicine; the insurance companies do.
The Republicans only have 51 seats in the Senate, NOT 52. By any stretch of the imagination, Susan Collins of Vermont is not a Republican. Voters in Maine will remember this in the future. Of course, by then, she may have already officially switched parties...
1
It will be an act of great courage and service to the country if they vote no. But to date service to themselves is all we have seen, I live in hope that they will do the right thing.
But, even if it is passed it will not dent Obama's legacy. Obama made affordable healthcare for everyone a priority, even if the ACA needs work to get there fully. In doing so he changed millions of minds and deleted an old world vision. Changing the consciousness of a nation for a positive is a giant leap forward and very rare, but Obama did it and however hard Trump tries and lies he can never take that away.
But, even if it is passed it will not dent Obama's legacy. Obama made affordable healthcare for everyone a priority, even if the ACA needs work to get there fully. In doing so he changed millions of minds and deleted an old world vision. Changing the consciousness of a nation for a positive is a giant leap forward and very rare, but Obama did it and however hard Trump tries and lies he can never take that away.
The GOP has given up any pretensions of representing their constituents.
Republicans seem now to be a collection of recalcitrant, self interested factions, that have no desire to compromise and govern.
Our two party system has ground to a collective halt. We must initiate some basic systemic changes. Why not go to a multiple party system that would be forced to form coalitions to govern?
Republicans seem now to be a collection of recalcitrant, self interested factions, that have no desire to compromise and govern.
Our two party system has ground to a collective halt. We must initiate some basic systemic changes. Why not go to a multiple party system that would be forced to form coalitions to govern?
How great would it be if Senator McCain surprised everyone with a NO vote on the motion to proceed with debate, and explained it as a vote of conscience?
2
During the campaign, Trump declared that McCain was not a hero because he was captured during the Vietnam War. I want McCain to stand up to the bullying president and speak out against the Republicans' punitive legislation. I fear, however, that he will be a GOP captive and support the majority of his party.
1
Dare I hope that Sen. McCain will vote "No"? Perhaps his recent diagnosis has brought him to the realization that affordable healthcare must be available to all.
After surviving the Keating Five scandal (look it up kiddies) with a slap on the wrist, McCain supposedly rededicated himself to the public good. From Dan Nowicki at azcentral.com in 2014:
"In his 2002 book 'Worth the Fighting For,' McCain wrote that thinking about the 'Keating Five experience' still made him 'wince' even years later and that the memory provoked 'a vague but real feeling that I had lost something very important' in pursuit of 'gratifying ambitions, my own and others'."
"'I have carefully avoided situations that might even tangentially be construed as a less than proper use of my office,' McCain and co-author Mark Salter wrote of the lessons he learned. 'I have refrained from intervening with regulators or supporting legislation or advocating anything for any purpose that doesn't serve an obvious public interest and that isn't in accord with my general governing philosophy.'"
Now with his mortality staring him blindingly in the face,with the benefit of first class health insurance paid by taxpayers (and his own significant wealth) and access to first class doctors and hospitals, it will be interesting to see what he truly considers the public interest (especially for his ACA dependent constituents). He has nothing to prove anymore so he should be free to vote his conscience and stand up to a President who called him a coward. This will be the true measure of the man.
"In his 2002 book 'Worth the Fighting For,' McCain wrote that thinking about the 'Keating Five experience' still made him 'wince' even years later and that the memory provoked 'a vague but real feeling that I had lost something very important' in pursuit of 'gratifying ambitions, my own and others'."
"'I have carefully avoided situations that might even tangentially be construed as a less than proper use of my office,' McCain and co-author Mark Salter wrote of the lessons he learned. 'I have refrained from intervening with regulators or supporting legislation or advocating anything for any purpose that doesn't serve an obvious public interest and that isn't in accord with my general governing philosophy.'"
Now with his mortality staring him blindingly in the face,with the benefit of first class health insurance paid by taxpayers (and his own significant wealth) and access to first class doctors and hospitals, it will be interesting to see what he truly considers the public interest (especially for his ACA dependent constituents). He has nothing to prove anymore so he should be free to vote his conscience and stand up to a President who called him a coward. This will be the true measure of the man.
1
JUST REMEMBER . . . all who want to blame Democrats for the rising costs of Obamacare? The Democrats tried to fix it, but the Republicans Scorched Earth them. Thus the REPUBLICANS were responsible for the rising healthcare costs.
We need Single-payer anyway — save 40% on healthcare costs.
We need Single-payer anyway — save 40% on healthcare costs.
2
Gee, wouldn't it be nice if John McCain decided now was the time to take a stand on this issue and vote NO?
Why is there not more press coverage of the fact that, once elected, members of the Senate and House have guaranteed premier health care at low cost for the rest of their lives? Because they have no skin in the game, they understandably cannot relate to the anxiety felt by the rest of us who fear we will be bankrupted by health care if we can even get access.
Repeal and Replace.
Keeping half of this promise in not the beginning. It is the end.
Republicans can pretend they can reinvent physics, biology, and math and promise better and "more affordable" healthcare to all Americans.
Right. The VERY people who do NOT believe in science are the ONLY ones who can make water run uphill and the sun shine at night.
They have been lying and fooling the American people for 7 years. And now they just have the blunt "pen" in the White House, to create a world in their own image. For healthy donors to their campaigns.
Keeping half of this promise in not the beginning. It is the end.
Republicans can pretend they can reinvent physics, biology, and math and promise better and "more affordable" healthcare to all Americans.
Right. The VERY people who do NOT believe in science are the ONLY ones who can make water run uphill and the sun shine at night.
They have been lying and fooling the American people for 7 years. And now they just have the blunt "pen" in the White House, to create a world in their own image. For healthy donors to their campaigns.
1
Senator McCain has an opportunity to once again act as an American hero, but it doesn't look like he will accept the challenge. The irony! Unless he surprises us, his return to Washington from surgery and a diagnosis of brain cancer is for the purpose of voting to take away health insurance from 20-30 million Americans. He may be a hero in Republicans' eyes for taking that action, but not to the rest of us, nor future generations.
Even if Senator McCain did not have his taxpayer-provided health coverage, he would still get the best care money can buy, given that his wife is wealthy. It would be terribly ironic and beyond sad if he were to return to Washington in order to vote in favor of a bill that would, in all likelihood, price people with pre-existing conditions out of the individual market.
1
Here's my take on Trump's knowledge of the healthcare issue. He is so uninformed, if you were to put the original Obamacare bill in front of him and tell him how great it is,he'd sign it. Better yet, put yesterday's shopping list I front of him and he'd sign it. This man has zero commitment to r engagement in the issue beyond it being a plan formulated by an African American president
2
"Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them."
Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833
Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833
2
John McCain has enormous physical courage. I wish in this case his moral courage was comparable. If predictions are accurate, for him to make his way under such duress to help bring misery to millions of people is indeed tragic.
1
I am so disappointed in McCaine. Why would he take a stand to support such a partisan bill that not only will deprives many in his own state of health care but millions in the in the whole country.
Instead he could join the ranks of a few republicans supporting moving towards a bipartisan bill.
Instead he could join the ranks of a few republicans supporting moving towards a bipartisan bill.
Ever since Donald J Trump crashed his oversized, jerry built dirigible onto the political stage things in that arena have steadily deteriorated beyond anything that resembles coherent thought and practice. For those who supported him to shake things up, it's probably great fun to see him run over precedents, protocols, accepted procedures quite possible the law as well as anyone who has gotten in his way regardless of their party, purpose or service. He really is the skunk at the picnic and at this point the stench is spreading and unbearable.
It also seems as if his complete disregard for the truth, important institutions and expertise has coalesced into a contagion affecting everyone who has made the mistake of closely associating or enabling him, including the GOP led legislatures who will be taking up bills that collectively have an even worse public rating than some of the GOP governors who share part of the blame for the problems affecting ACA, the real problems vs the straw horse nonsense they've been spouting for seven years. Of course, Trump for purely personal and unhealthy reasons has turned up the attacks to 11 even though it's obvious he hasn't bothered to read any plan, the one he wants to destroy or the ones that will destroy the health care system.
It also seems as if his complete disregard for the truth, important institutions and expertise has coalesced into a contagion affecting everyone who has made the mistake of closely associating or enabling him, including the GOP led legislatures who will be taking up bills that collectively have an even worse public rating than some of the GOP governors who share part of the blame for the problems affecting ACA, the real problems vs the straw horse nonsense they've been spouting for seven years. Of course, Trump for purely personal and unhealthy reasons has turned up the attacks to 11 even though it's obvious he hasn't bothered to read any plan, the one he wants to destroy or the ones that will destroy the health care system.
It's unfortunate that McCain would be better serving the citizens of the US in a hospital bed than going to Washington to vote against the ACA.
John McCain fortunately receives gold-standard health care for an aggressive cancer, by way of health insurance paid by taxpayers.
He returns to Washington to vote on a discussion of the repeal of health care protections for all Americans.
Congress, can you hear this?
He returns to Washington to vote on a discussion of the repeal of health care protections for all Americans.
Congress, can you hear this?
Interesting to watch the latest twist in the Democrats' old political con job called The Affordable Care Act which was never affordable and was meant to self-destruct into a single- payer , government -controlled health care. Now the politicians from both parties who are except form this coverage are trying to con us into believing that they can actually fix this economic disaster and that they care about our health care coverage which they refuse to share with the voters !
It is important the U.S. get this health care business settled as the U.S. government is facing other huge coming expenses. President Trump has admitted the unjustified U.S. invasion of Iraq was based on lies of CIA that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Because of this we are demanding the U.S. rebuild our Iraqi province with all underground utilities.
Yesterday in a Las Vegas talk, John Boehner repeated his prediction that Repiblicans cannot repeal ACA.
The problem with the ACA is that it did not fix a terrible healthcare system based on a blatant conflict of interest where insurance companies are making profit by denying service to their clients. ACA does not alter this mechanism and does not get even close to universal heath care. The republicans will certainly do no better and the state of health care delivery in the US will continue to remain substandard.
Time for telling, Sen McCain. Will you go the way McConnell orders you to go, or will you let your conscience and your gratitude for being in good medical hands be your guide?
If they voted to scrap Obamacare and adopt single-payer healthcare, like Medicare for everyone, I might actually vote Republican for the first time in my life.
7
Fat chance of that.
1
Well, you may have to extend your life till the end of life on this planet for that to happen!
Yea but if you got cancer or heart disease, it would take months and months to actually see an oncologist or cardiologist.
The GOP, Grandiose Obfuscatory Pretenders, had 7 years to come up with something to replace the ACA with once they had the power to repeal it. Did they ever sit down and discuss what they wanted to see? No and because of that, we now have this.
Every other country manages to cover their citizens health care at a much lower cost to their economy and citizens than America. In other countries citizens and residents don't have to do wallet biopsies before they go to the doctor or hospital for treatment. Yet in America we continue to conflate being able to pay for care with being worthy of receiving care. And the party of ignoramuses, two of whom are going to be receiving expensive treatments for awhile, can't find it in themselves to reform, repeal, or replace the current wealth care system with something that works for Americans. If this is GOP compassion and concern for Americans I'd hate to see revenge.
Every other country manages to cover their citizens health care at a much lower cost to their economy and citizens than America. In other countries citizens and residents don't have to do wallet biopsies before they go to the doctor or hospital for treatment. Yet in America we continue to conflate being able to pay for care with being worthy of receiving care. And the party of ignoramuses, two of whom are going to be receiving expensive treatments for awhile, can't find it in themselves to reform, repeal, or replace the current wealth care system with something that works for Americans. If this is GOP compassion and concern for Americans I'd hate to see revenge.
115
Ah, it's all the name of "freedom", according to their craven crowd.
(And undoing the black guy's legislation.)
"Freedom": to pay more, receive less care, suffer and die broke.
Greed Over Principle
(And undoing the black guy's legislation.)
"Freedom": to pay more, receive less care, suffer and die broke.
Greed Over Principle
1
Revenge is precisely what a lot of us hope for.
The stones that Jesus spoke of will cry out and scream if revenge does not come.
The stones that Jesus spoke of will cry out and scream if revenge does not come.
1
I am tired of hearing the ACA called awful and a disaster. The facts are the majority of people want it fixed not replaced. Yes I know some people had rising premiums, but a lot more people were helped than hurt. The congress wants money? Go after all the medicare/medicaid scammers and all the tax evaders. Plenty of money to fund the ACA there I'll bet!
149
its the insurance companies! they pay ceos hundred of millions why
Where are Donald's taxes by the way?
especially since its a big lie - I had it - I know from my own experience what it is and not from what some idiot republican or faux news says it is.
1
I really do think the media and major newspapers have done the public a disservice in the last two or three days.. Last week everyone loudly proclaimed on the front page that the effort to repeal was "dead". Now, when Republican momentum is picking up again, all the major outlets won't stop talking about Kushner.
Where in the world was the prominent coverage of this looming tragedy yesterday when people could've called?
While sure it's an important issue Kushner (for better or worse) will still be here tomorrow. I think it's more important to keep the public's eye on the healthcare ball---and make sure people don't get distracted. Especially when such horrible piece of legislation looks like its about to become a reality...
Where in the world was the prominent coverage of this looming tragedy yesterday when people could've called?
While sure it's an important issue Kushner (for better or worse) will still be here tomorrow. I think it's more important to keep the public's eye on the healthcare ball---and make sure people don't get distracted. Especially when such horrible piece of legislation looks like its about to become a reality...
79
may I suggest you listen to or go on line for the PBS Newshour which has provided excellent coverage of this issue
It's not too late to call. Stop blaming everybody else. We knew last weekend the vote was scheduled for today. It's up to you to pay attention.
Don't blame the media for what your "representatives" are trying to do to you. It's been front page news for months, since the inauguration. If you can't see the headline because another distracts you, that's your issue.
I don't get it.
Everybody and their brother in the media were declaring even this "motion to proceed" more or less dead for about a week, now apparently it's beginning to sound like it's a done deal.
All of a sudden, Rand Paul has caved and the "gang of three" GOP women senators (Collins, Capito & Murkowki) have gone silent.
This McCain thing is a just a sideshow, his vote was never in doubt, just as his status as a "maverick" was always a media confected myth.
Nothing heroic about what he's doing here, that's for sure.
Everybody and their brother in the media were declaring even this "motion to proceed" more or less dead for about a week, now apparently it's beginning to sound like it's a done deal.
All of a sudden, Rand Paul has caved and the "gang of three" GOP women senators (Collins, Capito & Murkowki) have gone silent.
This McCain thing is a just a sideshow, his vote was never in doubt, just as his status as a "maverick" was always a media confected myth.
Nothing heroic about what he's doing here, that's for sure.
130
Yeah. John McCain, the "maverick" who always votes the party line.
1
Trump's GOP DEATH PANEL vote begins...
Good for the funeral home biz -- bad for Americans.
Good for the funeral home biz -- bad for Americans.
52
Donald Trump's wealthcare biil will make his multimillionaire/billionaire cabinet and wall street supporters very happy. Government Wellfare for the top 0.1% in spades.
46
It might help to vet immigrants like Murdoch. As an Aussie I want to apologise that he was born here. Many of us disown him. Sad for you that he is an American now.
1
Lies and secrecy are all that Mr. Trump and his Republicans have left.
They might be able to bribe reluctant Republicans with billions in pork-barrel payments.
But Americans won't buy it. Not when they realize these bills trade their health away, for a tax cut for millionaires.
They might be able to bribe reluctant Republicans with billions in pork-barrel payments.
But Americans won't buy it. Not when they realize these bills trade their health away, for a tax cut for millionaires.
55
Remember the Republican obsession with "death panels?"
To paraphrase a line from a movie I regret I'm unable to remember the title, "I got your death panels right here!"
To paraphrase a line from a movie I regret I'm unable to remember the title, "I got your death panels right here!"
27
Do the Right Thing, Sal tells Buggin Out about his boycott, Sal, "Here is your boycott"
Why would John McCain be coming back to cast his legacy-defining vote in favor of a bill to eliminate health care for tens of millions of Americans including reductions of support for so many of the 1.13 million Medicare patients in his own state? We can only hope and pray that recent events in his own life will elevate his thinking above "party loyalty" to a far greater sense of what is right.
96
That too, is what I am hoping for, that Senator McCain can leave this old world retaining a modicum of integrity and respect. I'm not holding my breath. I've been disgusted with John since he bent over for W. A no vote against this abortion of a bill would help me remember some of the fondness I had for him before thw W debacle. By the way, I thought the Republicans were dead set against abortions so why are they backing this abortion of a bill?
Hope and prayer never works with McCain, only large political contributions.
1
he has government health insurance
The hypocrisy of 50 healthy men and women voting how we will seek healthcare, who have no education in this field, actually makes us sick! This president isn't the only low-life in Washington. Someday one of their family members,friends,acquaintances will suffer because of their actions. But like Trump voters they will never acknowledge their guilt. Shame on all. Regretfully, there will be more than enough blood to go around!
57
Wait, aren't there 100 senators?
And doesn't one have brain cancer?
And doesn't one have brain cancer?
I moved to Canada in 2008 - SINGLE PAYER IS AWESOME. Don't let the billionaires lie to you!!
159
Moved to Canada in 1989. Yes SINGLE PAYER IS AWSOME. You just hand them your health care card at the doctor's office or hospital. Don't let the Republicans, billionaires or the President deceive you.
Dear thoughtful: single payer has to happen in America. Please keep posting. I prefer to say "medicare for all" instead of "single payer." I think many Americans don't understand the "single payer" concept, however I think most Americans understand the concept of "medicare for all." Also, I don;t think we need to attach the billionaires. The simple truth of "medicare for all" is all Americans need to understand.
The GOP is a cult. We don't want suicide, so just what does that make them??? Here's a clue, especially for the " Pro-Life" agitators: it makes them killers. Of actual, born, people. Hypocrisy, much?????
38
Reprehensible! Why doesn't America Wake up. Every member of Congress has the greatest Access to Health Care, yet the republicans continue to try and repeal the ACA. How much more time and money can the republicans waste in this futile attempt at legislation. Any Victory at the cost of Amercian Lives!
Why doesn't every American demand the same Health Care Coverage that members of Congress enjoy.
If you support trump and mcconnell and ryan and the rest of the republicans, then you need to wake up, you will loose access to health care at an affordable cost.
Why doesn't every American demand the same Health Care Coverage that members of Congress enjoy.
If you support trump and mcconnell and ryan and the rest of the republicans, then you need to wake up, you will loose access to health care at an affordable cost.
44
As others as others have said, I am very curious about how Senator McCain will vote. This will be a clear indication as to whether or not he realizes how lucky he is to have health care, and whether or not he understands what would happen if he was without that health care.
60
Sorry to say, the man isn't flying in just to vote "no". He has platinum healthcare for his cancer but doesn't recognize the need for others to have even basic medical needs met.
1
Unfortunately, I agree with you. It's a shame that he is going to put party before country.
I used to respect McCain.
This situation proves beyond doubt the definition of the word "Hypocrite." Trump is hailing McCain as a War Hero because he needs him for the Health Care vote, yet on the campaign, Trump hurled insults at the man and said he was no hero because he was shot down and sat in a prison camp.
69
Jet,
We need more people like you in OH!
Steve
We need more people like you in OH!
Steve
1
To those people who are bothered by the premium increase under Obamacare.
1. How much did your car insurance premium rise during the same period? How many times did you use the car insurance during the same period?
2. What is the price of knowing that your insurance company can never drop you for your sickness or preexisting condition?
1. How much did your car insurance premium rise during the same period? How many times did you use the car insurance during the same period?
2. What is the price of knowing that your insurance company can never drop you for your sickness or preexisting condition?
52
1. Hardly at all. Used it several times - insurance paid for repairs after deductible.
2. From $800 per month to $2,400 per month in four years. Have used insurance several times but it has paid for nothing at all since the deductible went from $1,000 to $7,000 per year. I could not be dropped prior to ACA as long as I kept the policy. Old policy provided access to almost all hospitals/providers. New policy excludes almost all hospitals and providers unless I pay 50% out of pocket. Coverage is only at second and third tier hospitals.
I am truly glad that many more are covered and receive subsidies but my guess is that it is at my expense. One fifth of our post tax income is spent on healthcare insurance.
2. From $800 per month to $2,400 per month in four years. Have used insurance several times but it has paid for nothing at all since the deductible went from $1,000 to $7,000 per year. I could not be dropped prior to ACA as long as I kept the policy. Old policy provided access to almost all hospitals/providers. New policy excludes almost all hospitals and providers unless I pay 50% out of pocket. Coverage is only at second and third tier hospitals.
I am truly glad that many more are covered and receive subsidies but my guess is that it is at my expense. One fifth of our post tax income is spent on healthcare insurance.
How low can they go? Not only do Republicans want to take health care away from 20+ million people, but they are dragging a very sick man in to vote. Shame on them.
29
True but McCain wants to be there. He's no maverick but think he likes riding into save the day so to speak. At his age and condition if he really felt lousy or his doctors recommended against it, he wouldn't go. He wants to go.
One can only hope the GOP will fall on their own petard.
21
They tell no one, even in their own party, what they are voting on specifically, and even what time. I guess that is so they can all go back to their constituents and say, well I didn't really know what was in it. No one reads these things, etc.
It's kind of brilliant in a way. The full impact of their bills won't kick in until after 2020, so they will all stay in office safely.
Meanwhile, of course, in the real world the rest of America inhabits, this will be painful and devastating. Let's hear it for Trump, the GOP and the hardline supporters.
It's kind of brilliant in a way. The full impact of their bills won't kick in until after 2020, so they will all stay in office safely.
Meanwhile, of course, in the real world the rest of America inhabits, this will be painful and devastating. Let's hear it for Trump, the GOP and the hardline supporters.
14
"They tell no one, even in their own party, what they are voting on specifically, and even what time. I guess that is so they can all go back to their constituents and say, well I didn't really know what was in it. No one reads these things, etc."
This is what is laughable, and people actually believe it and still vote for them. If I went into a meeting and talked out my side, and oh I didn't read anything, I would look like a fool.
I couldn't believe it when the last representative said that, so why should anyone believe it now. It's your job Congress, Senate to read what you are voting on otherwise, you're a waste of space. You will be fired by 'we the people'.
This is what is laughable, and people actually believe it and still vote for them. If I went into a meeting and talked out my side, and oh I didn't read anything, I would look like a fool.
I couldn't believe it when the last representative said that, so why should anyone believe it now. It's your job Congress, Senate to read what you are voting on otherwise, you're a waste of space. You will be fired by 'we the people'.
1
Forecast for the second half of 2017:
As soon as health insurance is torpedoed and tax reform passes, excluding billionaires for all but token tax bills, order will be firmly established and Putin will be cleared for his final takeover.
I believe Putin's first three moves will be to jail opposition office-holders and judges, clear the armed services of opposition, and round up all firearms in the nation.
By next year Trump and his line will be royalty but that will be subsidiary to the actual head of state, Putin and his heirs.
As soon as health insurance is torpedoed and tax reform passes, excluding billionaires for all but token tax bills, order will be firmly established and Putin will be cleared for his final takeover.
I believe Putin's first three moves will be to jail opposition office-holders and judges, clear the armed services of opposition, and round up all firearms in the nation.
By next year Trump and his line will be royalty but that will be subsidiary to the actual head of state, Putin and his heirs.
8
What I find interesting is that even though there is tide turning of more people wanting to keep ACA, after they figured out it may only need some adjustments, the Republicans still want to repeal and replace. It just keeps getting clearer and clearer that a majority of the Republicans, including our illustrious leader, the only agenda here is to remove Obama's name from anything to do with a successful healthcare program. If they just tweak it, it remains Obamacare --- something they can't seem to live with.
29
The true agenda, for all those who ran on "Obamacare is a disaster, we will repeal and replace", is to fulfill one of the campaign issues that resonates with their base (which doesn't seem to care about conflicts of interest, Russia, or pretty much any else except jobs). They are so deathly afraid of being primaried or outright losing to a Democrat in 2018, that in their bills they always include time shifting the most draconian actions to 2019 or 2020 so that when the other shoe drops on their own constituents, it will be too late to vote them out in 2018. They figure that gives them plenty of time to do what Republicans have mastered - blame any problems on Democrats and liberals, drum that in until their people believe it by the next Presidential election and midterms.
The larger agenda is, they need to set up the huge tax-welfare-for-the-rich bill that will be next in their sights. For Republicans, especially hard conservatives, the best way to free up money from the federal government is to stop paying for healthcare as much as they can get away with. Existing Medicare and Medicaid is also in their sights for gutting. To the tax payer, when healthcare is thrown back solely on the states, they will not see a decline in the total that they pay unless states also adopt a similar draconian approach to healthcare.
The larger agenda is, they need to set up the huge tax-welfare-for-the-rich bill that will be next in their sights. For Republicans, especially hard conservatives, the best way to free up money from the federal government is to stop paying for healthcare as much as they can get away with. Existing Medicare and Medicaid is also in their sights for gutting. To the tax payer, when healthcare is thrown back solely on the states, they will not see a decline in the total that they pay unless states also adopt a similar draconian approach to healthcare.
Tweek it and call it Trumpcare. (He won't know the difference.) Problem solved.
Listening to the proceedings. Calling Senator Portman's office. A YES vote to proceed is frightening.
14
I recently changed my party affiliation of 49 years from Republican to Democratic.
I am not directly affected by this discourse over the ACA vs Trumpcare as I am on Medicare.
I am revolting because of the mean spirited approach by the GOP toward their fellow Americans on healthcare.
I am not directly affected by this discourse over the ACA vs Trumpcare as I am on Medicare.
I am revolting because of the mean spirited approach by the GOP toward their fellow Americans on healthcare.
44
If you think you're "safe" on Medicare, think again. Ryan has wanted to dismantle Medicare for years, and this will be just the first step in that direction. Make no mistake: if you are a citizen on any sort of federally funded healthcare program, the GOP is coming for you.
1
Welcome!
If the Democrats "obstruct," as President Trump trumpets, the savaging of health care for 20 to 30+ million Americans, good for them, and good for us. Political courage has its risks, but even greater potential rewards.
Those whose health safety is saved as a result, should vote "D" in 2018 and 2020. But many probably will remain in the GOP camp, given the degree to which our entire nation has infantilized itself in the image of its own president.
Those whose health safety is saved as a result, should vote "D" in 2018 and 2020. But many probably will remain in the GOP camp, given the degree to which our entire nation has infantilized itself in the image of its own president.
16
McCain was a hero. Forty years ago. There are lots of heroes. Going out on a low note.
31
There's so many people who say their plans became much more expensive under ACA - for me ACA was more affordable than other market alternatives (and I was healthy when I signed up, and never got subsidies), certainly a better deal than COBRA. Why the different experience? Did different markets see a bigger increase? Is this the same increase that was projected anyway without ACA? Were people being forced to buy plans with more comprehensive coverage? It would help to understand this. Personally I expect if the repeal goes forward I either won't be able to buy insurance any more, or my insurance will not cover my preexisting - or rates will be much higher.
22
Three reasons I think:
1. A lot of people had policies with low caps or minimal coverage, good insurance costs more,
2. Rates had been skyrocketing for years, now all increases are blamed on ACA
3. There is real value to insurers in being able to cancel people with chronic conditions, when they can't the insurance costs more. Fire insurance would be less expensive if they could cancel the policy mid-fire!
1. A lot of people had policies with low caps or minimal coverage, good insurance costs more,
2. Rates had been skyrocketing for years, now all increases are blamed on ACA
3. There is real value to insurers in being able to cancel people with chronic conditions, when they can't the insurance costs more. Fire insurance would be less expensive if they could cancel the policy mid-fire!
1
States dominated by the GOP cut off their noses (refused Federal subsidies) to spite their faces (or, more accurately, the black guy in the White House) at the expense of their constituents (who mystifyingly continue to reelect them).
A lot of it depends on geography. Some states have better markets, Also, I think that income played a part. If your income is low enough to qualify for subsidies, your out of pocket costs are low, but if your income is too high, then I think some people really get screwed. Obamacare definitely needs some fixes so that all people can have affordable healthcare. But I am a proponent of Medicare for all. It is hard to imagine how health insurance can be affordable for everyone when insurance companies are still looking to make billion dollar profits for their investors.
Please correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the Repubs the ones who whined and complained they didn't have enough time to read the ACA when it was first enacted. And this after more than a year of hearings, debates and knowledgeable testimony from experts. What's changed? Oh yeah, that 'one' isn't the President anymore.
19
The dysfunction is handwriting on the wall for this country. The medical cartels and monopolies need to be destroyed.
10
Yesterday I watched Mitch McConnell say with either a cynical or scolding voice that we have to pass this bill because the president is waiting with his pen. It felt like a Saturday Night Live skit.
And medically impaired McCain appears to aid McConnell is putting the bill over the finish line? He looked as if he might fall just walking to cast his vote.
Senator Heller folds to Trump intimidation? Why would Heller allow himself to be placed right by the president when dragged to that oppressive white house meeting designed to intimidate Republicans votes? Sitting there smiling.
We're really going off the rails here.
Trump's rally yesterday was pure Roman Colosseum as thumbs down meant certain death to opponents. Screaming masses behind him as he ridiculed "acting presidential." It was over the top crazy nuts awful.
The most sickening Reality TV is happening in the halls of government and in egoistic rallies a dangerously insecure president uses to feel good about himself.