Is the GOP planning to attend Obama’s health care “summit” or not?
posted at 7:08 pm on February 9, 2010 by Allahpundit
The boss is despairing over an interview Eric Cantor gave to Fox News this afternoon at which he all but promises that they’ll be there, but watch the first clip below of Boehner after their meeting with The One this morning. Sure sounds like he’s sticking to yesterday’s demand about starting over on the bill with a clean slate, which Gibbs rejected in a statement last night and which, per the second clip below, Obama himself shot down at today’s presser on grounds that doing it that way is simply too uncertain and will take too long. Obama reportedly wants to go into the meeting with a draft of a final Reid/Pelosi compromise bill in hand and ask McConnell and Boehner which parts of it they’re willing to agree to and what they want in return for doing so. The temptation for the GOP is to simply turn down the invite, but note well this new WaPo poll:
Nearly six in 10 in the new poll say the Republicans aren’t doing enough to forge compromise with President Obama on important issues; more than four in 10 see Obama as doing too little to get GOP support. Among independents, 56 percent see the Republicans in Congress as too unbending and 50 percent say so of the president; 28 percent of independents say both sides are doing too little to find agreement.
As party leaders tussle over the proposed bipartisan health care summit, nearly two-thirds of Americans say they want Congress to keep working to pass comprehensive health-care reform. Democrats overwhelmingly support continued action on this front, as do 56 percent of independents and 42 percent of Republicans.
With all due respect to the boss, what do Republicans gain politically by avoiding the meeting entirely rather than attending it and using it as a platform to air their grievances about the bill? Granted, it’s a meaningless televised photo op which Obama wants to use to prove his bipartisanship and to poke holes in the GOP’s health care policy recommendations, but it’s also a forum at which Republicans can challenge the cost projections and the consequences of the individual mandate (among other things). Showing up, hearing Obama out, and then walking away on principle is a lot more politically salable than the pure rejectionism of refusing to go because there’s nothing left to talk about. What am I missing here? Click the image to watch.
Update (Ed): I agree with AP here. The GOP has two choices (at least) here — show up and be seen as willing to at least argue their points, or refuse to show up and allow Obama a photo op with a bunch of empty seats where Republicans were supposed to sit. The public dislikes the ObamaCare bill, so why not take advantage of the media coverage Obama brings to make the same points again: too much government bureaucracy, unconstitutional mandates, and especially the lack of tort reform? If they show up and keep to their arguments, they get to air them on TV. If not, then Obama gets all of the airtime to himself.
And let’s remember one thing from the Obama meeting with the Republicans earlier — it didn’t keep Obama from sinking back to his lowest levels of approval ever. Let’s not be afraid to stand on our arguments.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Of course Republicans should go. And refuse to talk about anything but jobs.
Noel on February 9, 2010 at 8:02 PM
You really need an answer to that champ? Imagine a gaggle of lackluster Republicans unable to summon the testicular fortitude to hammer Obama on the socialist nightmare that is his bill. Imagine the grand photo op for Obama that it will be. Imagine the Republicans feeling the pressure to “compromise” and in doing so give in to parts of the Obamacare bill. Does any of that sound good? Well, I don’t need an answer to that. You seem to pressing for all the wrong directions lately. Either you really want to brand yourself as the rebel Republican or you’re pulling an LGF and going lefty on us. Republicans gain nothing by going to the meeting. Absolutely nothing. They can maintain their opposition stance by saying no. Why even bother if Obama has already stated he won’t compromise? Or is it that you want the GOP compromise – to give in and usher in socialized medicine? The outcome of the meeting you’re so eager for either ends with the GOP giving in or nothing happening. There is no alternative in which Obama gives in. So why even bother.
chicagojedi on February 9, 2010 at 8:02 PM
Because instead of sending Ryan, Bachmann, DeMint and Coburn, they’ll send a bunch of RINO squishes who will cave in public when Obama starts with gotcha questions for which they are not prepared.
Wethal on February 9, 2010 at 8:04 PM
How about this as a third choice?
The GOP tells the press and the public they’d like to attend a summit on healthcare, but they will be busy working hard on plans to create real, permanent jobs for the American people and on common-sense free-market solutions to boost the economy and bring this recession to an end. “We feel this is a much more urgent problem right now than healthcare”.
.
And btw, AP, that IS a WaPo poll (grain of salt).
mrt721 on February 9, 2010 at 8:05 PM
And they’d need to publicize the ground rules, like in an editorial for the NYT or WaPo, and the rules should be extremely simple and fair. Otherwise, if Obama doesn’t agree to the rules, and the thing collapses, we’re back at
“The administration is absolutely banking on them not showing up.”
Rocket surgery ( ;-) ) it may not be, but they dare not mis-underestimate Obama, either.
notropis on February 9, 2010 at 8:05 PM
Now Obama is hot on health care
He’s made it his personal affair
Socialist’s we’ll be
As he smiled, said he
‘cause you see, the misery I bring, you must all share
MB4 on February 9, 2010 at 8:06 PM
Again, there’s a third choice. Show up ready to talk about jobs. Let the President have his speech, dismiss it out of hand as not being in touch with the priorities of the American people, and then bring forth the Republican ideas for creating jobs.
I think the meeting might actually be productive, rather than the meeting becoming an unproductive rehash of the same stuff we’ve heard already.
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 8:07 PM
I believe Republicans are well within their rights not to waste their time on this, but more importantly, not to provide legitimacy to Obama’s recent “bipartisanship” ploy.
Nothing has changed in terms of the proposals. Obama and his Merry Band of Looters have no intention of starting over with a truly bipartisan effort. And frankly, this whole thing is just going to be more kabuki theatre, with Republicans held hostage by the usual double standard requiring a better set of manners from them than from their counterparts. There will be endless sob-stories, and emotionalism rather than logic will rule the event.
No thanks.
There’s no reason to put your best tie on and trudge through the snow, when it’s simpler to just go to the cameras and tell the reporters that you’ll be more than happy to talk ‘healthcare’… when the Democrats are SERIOUS about a bipartisan approach.
While I agree that the trap needs to be sprung, I don’t think it’s necessary to put your leg in the mechanism when it’s alot less costly to just poke it with a good stout stick.
Murf76 on February 9, 2010 at 8:07 PM
Good point, Ed.
(I don’t know what’s wrong with me, today. I’m agreeing with everybody.)
notropis on February 9, 2010 at 8:08 PM
Didn’t the Baltimore lesson sink in? This will not bode well for Republicans and Weight of Glory has the reasons.
The media painted Obama as the hero in Baltimore and they will do the same in this next meeting. Obama still doesn’t get it. The contents of the bill SUCKS! Not just the process that created this POS. Boehner sould insist prior to this meeting that the legislation must not contain anything that allows the government to control healthcare—or Republican will not show up to the photo-op
Rovin on February 9, 2010 at 8:09 PM
Show up. Argue your points. The crap sandwich bills now in the legislative hopper are non-starters and you will not work to “tinker” with them. If you cave by signalling what you’d accept in exchange for supporting the current crap sandwiches, resign your seat now because we’ll vote your sorry behinds out at the earliest opportunity to do so. Do not be hesitate to call The Unprecedented or the Dhims liars.
ya2daup on February 9, 2010 at 8:09 PM
GOP, listen to the voters – Kill the Bill!!!
yoda on February 9, 2010 at 8:10 PM
According to Rasmu, 61% of voters want congress to drop healthcare reform and focus on jobs and the economy.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) say given the country’s current economic situation, the Obama administration should wait on health care reform until the economy improves.
That WaPo poll would make good lining for a ferret pen. They shouldn’t go–not even to humor the press. This is WH Chicago political intimidation thuggery at its finest. And I agree with poster upthread–Eric Cantor is weak-kneed and pathetic. To sum up, the American people revile Obama/PelosiCare and that’s what’s on the table–not legitimate bipartisan healthcare reform.
RepubChica on February 9, 2010 at 8:11 PM
If allowed by Barry’s gynormous ego, the Repubs could logically advance some compelling arguments against the progressive healthcare agenda at this televised meeting. It could, providing Barry the-control-freak doesn’t spend the entire time grandstanding, be a golden opportunity for the Repubs to showcase better ideas and the idiocy of the progressive plan.
If only the Repubs could achieve a balance between exercising decorum and diplomacy, while still pressing persuasive arguments on behalf of the American people. Nobody is asking them to behave in a disrespectful manner, but it certainly would be refreshing if they utilized the skill-set they learned in law school by fighting like trial attorneys for their constituents, and simultaneously out maneuvering Barry when he begins his customary and nonsensical showboating.
I, for one, would jump for joy if they managed to one-up Barry on national television.
anXdem on February 9, 2010 at 8:11 PM
This is indeed a golden opportunity.
First of all, you know that the Moron in Chief is likely clueless as to what’s actually in the House and Senate plans.
If the Party of D’oh prepares well and rehearses in advance, they should be able to destroy Obooboo. I hope they make him cry.
justltl on February 9, 2010 at 8:11 PM
No, it’s not…
and no, hell no, they should stick to their guns.
They wrote a letter last night with a little bit o’ old fashioned testosterone in it…today, they say Gilda Radner style (God rest her funny, genius comedic soul!) “Nevvvver mind.”
Why didn’t they just stand out in front of the White House, bend over and grab their collective ankles?
Chewy the Lab on February 9, 2010 at 8:11 PM
Let’s see, what does the New York Times say about the proper role of the opposition, when the Administration is trying to force through an unpopular bill:
Yeah, I know, it was a different bill, but the principle should still hold, right?
notropis on February 9, 2010 at 8:13 PM
+1000
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 8:14 PM
Another Dem trick, which they’ve used: If they do get their bill passed with Pub support, Dems candidates will be all over the airwaves asking voters if they want to vote for someone who ‘flipped’ on his convictions.
I can see it now: “Would you vote for a representative who can’t stay consistent with his Party platform, the voters, and his own long-stated values?”
Liam on February 9, 2010 at 8:14 PM
Actually, Republicans should go — with each Republican attending assigned to one job-, liberty-, and healthcare-destroying talking point. Then they should converge on the stack of paper under debate and tear through it to find their assigned issue.
The spectacle of 40 people converging on the stack of paper going “individual mandate”, “federal abortion funding”, “Death Panels”, “raid on state’s Medicare”, “tax hikes”, “bureaucracy”, “stifling innovation”, and so on — tearing out chunks of 50+ pages like wolves on a caribou — would make great theater. And the demonstration that so much of the bill is worthless garbage would help inform the American people.
And the tiny, shriveled pile of shredded paper left over can help demonstrate how much honest healthcare reform has been generated through all the months of backdoor politics.
cthulhu on February 9, 2010 at 8:15 PM
That’s exactly what the Fox panel recommended tonight. The GOP needs to get their game plan out in the open before the meeting, including their own healthcare plan.
Last I heard it was only about 24 pages. Compare that with the 2,000 page piece of crap that Nancy and Harry wrote.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Knucklehead on February 9, 2010 at 8:15 PM
He gets it. He wants permanent control of major parts of the economy, even if a sucky bill is necessary.
He’s thinking long term. Doesn’t care what today’s voters think he wants to get the middle class dependent on government health care (even if he has to starve insurance companies into bankruptcy rahter than get a public option).
Once dependent, the tax increases will be inevitable.
Obama wants to be in the liberal pantheon along with FDR (Social Security) and LBJ (Medicare). He wants to compelte the social welfare society in the US.
He will sacrifice Blue Dogs, Dem majorities, Harry Reid, Pelosi’s Speakership, whatever to do it.
And the MSM will spin it the way he wants.
Wethal on February 9, 2010 at 8:16 PM
Woth buying a half hour of prime time before 2/25?
Wethal on February 9, 2010 at 8:18 PM
Obama will say a lot of “No bill is perfect. We have to do what we can because people are dying”, etc…
The republicans must show up and cogently explain why it’s a failure and that they are voting against it because the people don’t want it.
“Now…. Let’s talk jobs and fiscal responsibility…”
ROCnPhilly on February 9, 2010 at 8:18 PM
Good point, Ed.
(I don’t know what’s wrong with me, today. I’m agreeing with everybody.)
notropis on February 9, 2010 at 8:08 PM
Bullcrap! We’ve been standing firmly on our arguments along with over 60% of the frikkin nation who have rejected this legislation AS WRITTEN. READ THE BILL FOR CRISSAKES. IT’S PURE MANDATED GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED GARBAGE!
KILL THE BILL AND START OVER. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Rovin on February 9, 2010 at 8:18 PM
I hope someone points out people will die until 2013, because that’s when coverage kicks in (although taxes start immediately).
Wethal on February 9, 2010 at 8:19 PM
Barack Obama is so brillig with his slithy toves
He does gyre and gimble in the wabe
All mimsy are his borogoves
And his mome raths do certainly outgrabe
Cheshire Cat on February 9, 2010 at 8:20 PM
Have to agree on this. The Republican leadership is showing that they intend to remain a minority by setting preconditions to an invitation from the President to attend a meeting on health care. They should act like responsible participants by attending to accomplish something and let the Democrats demonstrate how at sea they are. It would immunize them against the charge they are not doing their job.
Agreed and yet there are other polls even more decisive which suggest Americans are fed up with the partisan games played in Congress.
Republicans have to seem at least reasonable in order to highlight the incompetence and chaos within the Democrats. If they call the Presidents bluff and we get tort reform and other good ideas on the table it can’t be a bad thing.
lexhamfox on February 9, 2010 at 8:21 PM
“They wanna have a meeting with us, right? It will be us — Pelosi — and Odumbo.
Let’s set the meeting. Get our informers to find out where it’s gonna be held. Now, we insist
it’s a public place — a bar, a restaurant — some place where there’s people so we feel safe.”
justltl on February 9, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Huh? Is this supposed to be serious commentary? Sheesh.
Ap and Ed, you guys are clueless. America wants the GOP seats to be empty at this joke of a meeting. America doesn’t want the GOP to take any part in rending the Constitution. America wants the GOP to just say “No!” and not play any games with this exceedingly dangerous and destructive bill that should have been dead many, many months ago.
You guys don’t understand what’s going on in America, just as you don’t understand what motivates The Precedent. This is why you are always surprised by the idiotic moves he makes.
Frankly, I don’t know how you guys could run this blog and not understand these things … but then you two have done a good job lying about and distorting the eligibility issue every time you write about it. You never even bother to mention dual citizenship.
To your (minor) credit, it only took you guys months to finally start calling the Honduran fiasco what it was – an attempted coup by Zelaya (though you still couldn’t bribng yourselves to use the correct word of “coup”). This is after the whole story about the situation was laid out for you guys in the comments, here, from the day the story first broke.
neurosculptor on February 9, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Bingo. That’s what we’re up against. Makes me shudder.
RepubChica on February 9, 2010 at 8:24 PM
The problem with that is that government regulations already control much of health care, and much of health insurance, so it’d be sort of hard to insist that “the legislation must not contain anything that allows the government to control health care.”
notropis on February 9, 2010 at 8:25 PM
They have done that repeatedly and been shafted by the Dems every time. It’s not somehow unreasonable to stand to your core values. That alone will show the Dems are adrift faster and easier than attending.
Would it be ‘reasonable’ to negotiate with al Quaeda?
Liam on February 9, 2010 at 8:26 PM
P.S.
I’m in total agreement with the BOSS!
Rovin on February 9, 2010 at 8:27 PM
How did I know that you’d find some stupid way of working birtherism into even this thread?
notropis on February 9, 2010 at 8:28 PM
No, there’s plenty of common ground for healthcare (tort reform, allowing national pools, eliminating lifetime caps on service,…) — but healthcare isn’t up anywhere near the top of the list of concerns Americans have. The big one is jobs.
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 8:28 PM
On-side kick: Hammer home what will not be compromised, eg, tort reform, inter-state competition and portability, tax credits. Recover the ball and stay on offence. Initiative, gentlemen. Initiative.
Randy
williars on February 9, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Unless they cave to Obama, the MSM and Obama will spin them as unreasonable.
Wethal on February 9, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Don’t know. I think the folks are tired enough of looking at Barry and his continuous interruptions during prime time TV. Maybe a video?
I just don’t know, people are depressed, sick of this economy and need jobs.
Knucklehead on February 9, 2010 at 8:32 PM
neurosculptor on February 9, 2010 at 8:33 PM
The Liberals are doing a fine job of that themselves if you look at the most recent generic ballot numbers and the Massachusetts special election. On the second point, tort reform is far from a government takeover of the healthcare system. The projected cost of the plan alone is unsustainable–not the fudged CBO numbers. Those ideas have been categorically shut down by the libs, regardless. They look out for the K street lawyer lobby.
RepubChica on February 9, 2010 at 8:34 PM
Ohh! Ohh! Do I win the award for the first troll sighting of the night????? Pleaaasssse Misstah Kottah?
Cereally, I had to take my dogs out to make yellow snow, and I gottathinkin: (This is always very dangerous BTW) this has been a very spirited debate, very civil. The “means” we all want is the same.
So, I think all is kumbayah! And all is good.
We have legit differences in how to get there.
I want to throw this out there as either red meat or chum, depending on your personal point of reference…or fer’ ya’ll what lives in the city, a 75% off sale at your most favorite store, and some b*7^^ or M276978f;’[8er beat you to your purchase…and it was the last DILDO they had!
Chewy the Lab on February 9, 2010 at 8:38 PM
As per Dr. K:
The dogs don’t like the dog food and he thinks its the bowl.
How good is that!
obleo on February 9, 2010 at 8:39 PM
And more jobs will be the first thing to go if this bill sees the light of day u-s. You’re quite naive if you think the Obama or the Democrats are going to allow tort reform or even a national pool into this legislation. They owe their political souls to the lawyers and the deal’s aready been struck protecting the insurance companies.
It just amaze’s me when the democrats are holding your head under the toilet seat and convincing you nothing smells sweeter.
Rovin on February 9, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Please do not dis our hosts like this. They have welcomed you into their home. You can disagree on substance, but be polite.
Since this is their house, they can choose to throw you out on your Keister, Meester.
Chewy the Lab on February 9, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Ha!
Clown, maybe.
Troll, no.
That was from the Godfather, where Mikey is setting up a meeting with McClosky and Sollozzo.
justltl on February 9, 2010 at 8:43 PM
Ah, but if you can get your message on to the TV, and do it for free, you’ve scored!
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 8:43 PM
Chewy the Lab on February 9, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Brilliant. Who appointed you thread cop?
neurosculptor on February 9, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Epic fail on your troll sighting and whatever the rest of that crap is you posted.
Knucklehead on February 9, 2010 at 8:46 PM
I totally agree.
If the GOP starts talking to and allowing Obama to set them up again, then they’ll allow him to chip away at any chance that the GOP has of transforming from a minority to a majority party.
Nothing wrong with the being the Party of No in this case. Nothing wrong with it at all.
missl on February 9, 2010 at 8:46 PM
I’m not advocating that the Republicans talk about healthcare. I’m advocating that they talk about jobs. I was merely responding to Mr. neurosculpture’s claim that we have absolutely nothing in common to work on with the Democrats with respect to healthcare.
I think healthcare is the last thing the Republicans should talk about. As I said a couple of days ago:
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 8:46 PM
I have to agree with Ed and AP on this. The Republican leadership is showing that they intend to remain a minority by setting preconditions to an invitation from the President to attend a meeting on health care. They should act like responsible participants by attending to accomplish something and let the Democrats demonstrate how at sea they are. It would immunize them against the charge they are not doing their job.
Agreed and yet there are other polls even more decisive which suggest Americans are fed up with the partisan games played in Congress.
Republicans have to seem at least reasonable in order to highlight the incompetence and chaos within the Democrats. If they call the Presidents bluff and we get tort reform and other good ideas on the table it can’t be a bad thing.
lexhamfox on February 9, 2010 at 8:47 PM
Hey, you gonna pass that bong, or what?
RepubChica on February 9, 2010 at 8:47 PM
But everyone knows the GOP ideas about health insurance modifications and it only takes 2 minutes to explain them. SO what’s the rest of the hour going to be for?
No. My feeling is that when the dems are trying to rape the Constitution I would not participate in their games at all. To have them say, “Okay, we’ll put tort reform in” is a non-starter since it is the presence of the rest of their un-Constitutional junk that is the problem, not the absence of tort reform. That’s why I said that the GOP ideas to work on health care are not for some big comprehensive meeting and bill, but to be introduced piecemeal in Congress and debated separately.
If it were me, my anser to The Precedent and the dems is:
You claim to have found $500 billion in Medicare “waste” that constituted the bulk of your financing for your un-American, un-Constituitonal, inefficient attempt to have a federal takeover of health insurance/care, so why don’t you just pass the legislation to get that money back for the Treasury. At least that part would be Constitutional.
I can’t think that anything else is worth bothering to say to The Precedent and the dems.
neurosculptor on February 9, 2010 at 8:49 PM
lol…you posted that at 8:21 and I responded at 8:34.
RepubChica on February 9, 2010 at 8:50 PM
It a trap, not Stalin like trap in which they are lead to a boat and then have the boat sunk but it still is a trap.
It as trap to make them a scapegoat and take the blame. Never Obama always the GOP or Bush’s fault Obamacare did not pass in July.
Speaker Boehner all the way.
tjexcite on February 9, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Does anyone think that maybe tort reform is dead on both sides for the time being, especially after the disclosure for the reason Murtha died?
I hope not, but I’m sure every single person in Congress is thinking about what happened to him.
Knucklehead on February 9, 2010 at 8:51 PM
This story is getting tiring but here goes:
MASSACHUSETTS sent a REPUBLICAN to the Senate, to take TED KENNEDY’S seat SPECIFICALLY TO REJECT THIS ABORTION OF HEALTHCARE BILL.
The people reject this bill and UNLESS PINNOCHIO DOES THE SAME THE REPUBS SHOULD NOT SAY NO, BUT HELL NO!
That is how they get the respect of the American people. IF Pinnochio is not willing to scrap his bill and start over, all this is, is an exercise in thuggery and a political ambush in an attempt to peel off a few Repubs or make them look stupid in front of the American People. HELL NO, DON’T GO!
dhunter on February 9, 2010 at 9:02 PM
unclesmrgol,
I humbly and meekly back away from my keyboard and ask for sincere forgiveness for my ASSumtions.
(lowering head with respect)
Rovin on February 9, 2010 at 9:03 PM
My fault… trying to work on something else as well as participate on HA. Sorry I can’t respond in detail to your point right now.
lexhamfox on February 9, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Why, they’re gonna shake their heads and say “Gosh, I’d want my widow to be able to get an unlimited amount from a jury trial if that happened to me!”
Chris_Balsz on February 9, 2010 at 9:11 PM
It’s a no-brainer. They should go. They can make Bambi look like the ideologue he is. They can highlight their own proposal. They can pound on the insanity of the socialists’ proposal.
misterpeasea on February 9, 2010 at 9:15 PM
So long as Republicans try to SEEM something to avoid being called names, they’re screwed. They’re just the National Association of Not-Democrat Liberals.
Health care insurance is not a federal responsibility, and it would be prolifligate and irresponsible to pretend we can take on a whole new entitlement to every adult in the United States for even another decade before Social Security and Medicare go blooey. There is nothing to accomplish beyond killing the push for a new federal entitlement. After Comprehensive reform is dead, dead, dead, then Congress can offer such limited reforms as will encourage a national insurance marketplace, or, at least, a national standard for a state-regulated product.
Chris_Balsz on February 9, 2010 at 9:19 PM
First of all, the poll cited was conducted by WaPo, a dishonest ‘news’ organization with a vested interest in skewing the results of the poll to suit their agenda.
Second, why give Bambi another chance to lie about them and then have to be polite in response.
They did the right thing by issuing an ultimatum to start over. That has been rejected so why show up. I think it shows weakness to give in after their terms were rejected out of hand.
Sporty1946 on February 9, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Of course they shouldn’t go. Once they do, they won’t be able to run on any form of repeal, because the plan will be “Republican approved”.
LibTired on February 9, 2010 at 9:27 PM
That’s a NO BRAINER right there! Which part of the above post is Pinnochio THE PRESIDENT and his water carriers in the media going to allow to happen.
Let me answer;
NONE OF IT!
Pinoochio will lie, mis-characterise, misstate, project blame at Republican strawmen and the media will cover that for him. What the American people will see is what Pinnochio and the media want them to see and that will be the take away from the meeting.
If Pinnochio says upfront he won’t compromise, scrap his plan and start over, then it is not bi-partisan
AND the Republicans should say HELL NO WE WON’T GO!
We’re busy working on what the American people want JOBS, not a second taxpayer funded stimaloser and not a government takeover of healthcare, forced health insurance purchaces, higher premiums, exemtions for favored classes, Unions, and dark of the night backroom deals!
dhunter on February 9, 2010 at 9:28 PM
Surely you aren’t thinking that creation of jobs — the number one item on the lists of American public concerns — isn’t worth talking about?
Again, the President will come to the meeting for one thing, but that doesn’t mean we have to come to the meeting for the same thing.
It’s obvious that the stimulus is not working — not when they need to buy one lawnmower for every 50 jobs saved. The entire country is awash in lawnmowers now, and the snow isn’t even off the ground…
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Let me get this straight. AP is referencing a ‘WAPO’ poll? WTH?
OH, and Ed is going along with him.
Excuse me, I have to check the gravity, sun, moon and stars on this. Day is night, up in down, bad is good, and the Ninth plain of HELL is running down Pennsylvania Ave.
The best thing the conservatives could call for would be “Hey there Mr. Pres. if you like we can sit down and hammer out the health thingy you’re fretting about. BUT, the country is suffering. It’s still the economy, BARACK. Let’s work out ending the recession and runaway spending. THEN we can have the calm reasoned discussions that are necessary to bring about needed tort reform, interstate insurance sales, to keep the United States as the best Health Care on the planet!
Blacksmith8 on February 9, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Patching and piecing the House and Senate bills is an exercise in futility. Each is unwieldy, heavily bureaucratic, budget-busting, and unconstitutional. Neither addresses what the perceived problem with current health insurance is.
There is no sense in subjecting opponents of the bill who have far better plans to this theater. ObaMao makes up statistics and bleeds the heart with phony anecdotes. He dances around pointed questions.
The message from the Republicans should be that they are not interested in attending because they are heeding the message that voters are sending: Health-care insurance is neither a crisis nor a priority. If the president is interested, these are the points that can be addressed if the bill starts from scratch. Bam Bam Bam List them, explain the advantages to the American people, show how they are cost-effective, and Constitutional. Provide some statistics for each point and why they make sense. End of discussion.
onlineanalyst on February 9, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Yea. What he said.
Blacksmith8 on February 9, 2010 at 9:40 PM
Actually, Murtha’s widow will likely have to file under the Federal Tort Claims Act to sue Bethesda and its federal employees, which only provides for nonjury trials. But the public wouldn’t know that.
Wethal on February 9, 2010 at 9:41 PM
In a few minutes, I will probably post something which will make your anger all worth while….
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 9:41 PM
And any vaguely favorable comment on any specific matter will be cut out as a soundbite and used to portray approval of the bill in general by the MSM and Dems.
Wethal on February 9, 2010 at 9:42 PM
So you’re trying to make sure that no one reads it? Well besides Chrissey and Olby?
Blacksmith8 on February 9, 2010 at 9:44 PM
I don’t want the Republicans to meet with ObaMao… I don’t want them to give the Liar in Chief any cover of bipartisanship on the cr-p sandwhich the Socialist are trying to cram down our throats… He’ll give them nothing yet claim it’s a bipartisan bill… F him and the fake horse he rode in on!
CCRWM on February 9, 2010 at 9:48 PM
This meeting won’t be about jobs. The GOP would certainly go to a meeting for ideas about jobs, since there is no legislation hanging on it, right now. They would have to attack Crap&Trade as a jobs killer that cannot be considered in any way, but they could talk about how jobs are created and what the function of the federal government actually IS in this process, unlike the asinine leftist theories about burying jars of money to dig up and spend “What do you think stimulus is?!? Spending IS stimulus!”
And someone needs to ask The Precedent what the heck “profit and earnings ratios” are.
Sorry. I don’t like playing that way. There’s so little to be gained. I would rather propose a different topic and either have it accepted or not participate. There is nothing to talk to them about with respect to health care, and especially with respect to these un-Constitutional bills.
I’d love a jobs meeting. But I would hope that the GOP would be aggressive and hit hard. There’s so much to do, like get rid of the un-spent porkulus and rewriting a bill of tax cuts, and the left have done so many bad things. The GOP should slay them at a jobs meeting and I would welcome that.
But, not if there is any legislation about it already in the works!
neurosculptor on February 9, 2010 at 9:54 PM
Who says it can’t be? Who runs the Circus? Hint: It’s not the ringleader.
unclesmrgol on February 9, 2010 at 9:57 PM
I would be more concerned with FORMAT. A level playing field. If it’s not, scream to high heaven that it’s a rigged game and set up your own symposium and invited POTUS and the D’s to attend. Even offer to hold it at a corporate campus with a professional mediator presiding.
BUT, if the FORMAT is sufficiently protective of both the “right” and the “opportunity” to fully address the issues, then the R’s have to show up. They should want to show up.
If it’s set up as (a) Here’s our bill, and (b) You tell us what’s wrong with it, it’s a CLASSIC setup and I would NEVER agree to a negotiation with that as a starting point.
Otherwise, the R’s are succumbing to the argument that appearing to be agreeable is worth sacrificing important principles. It isn’t.
IndieDogg on February 9, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Right you are. Far be it from them to actually comment on the substance of things.
CurtZHP on February 9, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Heh. I guess, if someone wanted to go there and asy,
“I will not discuss this health scare monstrosity because it is flagrantly un-Constitutional and anathema to everything this nation was founded on. There is nothing to compromise on or talk about since you are trying to rend our Constitution, to tear the very foundations out from under this nation. I will not be a party to that. Now, as to jobs …”
I could live with that. But that would just end up with a GOPer responding to every bit of health scare talk with the same line. If that got the meeting to a debate about the Constitutionality of the bill, then I can go with that. No one can argue “general welfare” or “commerce clause” arguments reasonably for it (since that would do away with all practical limits on the federal government) so it would be fun to watch the left squirm.
But the GOP isn’t into Constitutional objections to the health scare, save a few like DeMint, so I don’t bank on anything like this happening.
neurosculptor on February 9, 2010 at 10:07 PM
The majority of Americans really want our Congress to waste more time on health care issues? I find that extremely hard to believe. That said, the real concern here, IMO, isn’t that the Republicans could get painted as obstructionists. People want this disaster to be obstructed. The real danger is that Obama will get the Republicans on record as wanting three or four things in a health care bill and he’ll give it to them. You want tort reform; fine, we’ll beef up the tort reform clause. What else you got? No abortion? Fine; we’ll get something new on abortion. No mandate? Fine; we’ll tweak the mandate language. Now: You have no excuse not to vote for the bill! Uh, oh.
jdp629 on February 9, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Oh, and if the Republicans then say “Well, you haven’t come fully to our position on [fill in the blank - abortion, mandate, whatever]” the response is: “You’re not even willing to negotiate and meet us half way? You are the party of ‘no.’”
jdp629 on February 9, 2010 at 10:21 PM
I live in Virginia. You could simply have said “The boss is despairing over…Eric Cantor” and you’d be close to the truth.
Physics Geek on February 9, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Remember the movie Willard ?
If I were going to a meeting with this White House, I would show up with the attitude of the rats!
TEAR HIM UP!
IlikedAUH2O on February 9, 2010 at 11:17 PM
The GOP is about to be had—–AGAIN!!!
The media will only spin Obama, and that WaPo poll is complete and total crap. Nothing but to put media pressure on the GOP.
GOP…….Grow a pair……or even one!!!!!
PappyD61 on February 9, 2010 at 11:55 PM
How’s that been working for him so far?
xblade on February 10, 2010 at 12:26 AM
This is why it’s pointless to attend. Democrats shut Republicans out of this debate for over a year, yet the majority believe it’s Republicans who aren’t being flexible enough, even though Dems could have passed anything they wanted without a single Republican vote.
The propaganda is working, and unless Republicans cave to Obama’s requests at this meeting, the propaganda will continue to label Republicans as the reason.
xblade on February 10, 2010 at 12:39 AM
WaPo Poll:
With the Tea Party uprising signifying a major dissatisfaction among the American populace, and major dysfunction and gridlock going on Inside The Beltway, everyday Americans are obviously fed up with the stalemate.
AP’s Take:
Have to agree with AP on this. Americans are not just rebelling at Politics As Usual in this instance. There’s an upcoming Midterm Election for which they have to make some serious choices, and they’re looking at the two parties and the options offered. It would appear, from the polling, that the voting public is looking at this possible summit as a chance for the Republicans not only to define themselves as being serious about putting America’s and American’s interests first, but to also step out and show true leadership skills for moving the country forward.
If the GOP ignores this opportunity to create a serious plan of action and put it into play, and/or fails to make the transition, then the November elections will be a fiasco for more than just the Democrats.
KendraWilder on February 10, 2010 at 1:04 AM
I disagree with the very premise that the country needs a health care bill, but I’ll play along this far… Mr President, please define the problem you want to solve and state specifically what issues need to be addressed.
Some people can’t afford health care doesn’t cut it.
People with low income can’t afford long term treatment for chronic conditions gets closer, but you still need to do better.
This may also be the best chance to get legal reforms on the table. As long as my side doesn’t cob it up. Let’s get tort reform passed. Loser pays is a great place to start.
DuffBeer on February 10, 2010 at 2:11 AM
WaPo Poll … no MSM agenda there, right? That’s not where I would go to take the pulse of the people. All the polls I’ve seen say the people want the bill scraped yet the Dems refuse to start over … they are ignoring the will of the people, so it is interesting that the will of the people according to WaPo is compromise … I’m not buying it.
Done That on February 10, 2010 at 4:53 AM
Agree with AP’s & Ed’s analysis, as long as the GOP are fully aware that there is an attempt to set a trap – but a trap they can disarm. GOP can use this to further use some Alinsky tactics and mock, mock, mock the existing, unwieldy, bill:
Will Obama go through it “line by line” as promised (but never done) with earmarks? Maybe they could bring lasers and magnifying glasses to the meeting so they can “focus like a laserbeam” on each item (the G.O.P.’s version of Hillary’s “reset” button). Dispute Kathleen Sibelius’ contention that they need a “comprehensive” bill. They should repeat over and over again that the GOP has a plan and that plan was presented to Congress but ignored. Ask Obama to look in the Map Room. Focus on 3 key issues – opening up health care across state lines, giving everyone the same tax break corporations get, and tort reform. No deal without those items, and no deal which expands government. Which won’t happen, but this can rightfully be blamed on Obama and the Dems and their “special interests” (Big Unions and trial lawyers). When GOP wins in November they can resubmit legislation. Obama can sign or veto. Either way we win (although it would be preferable for the country if Obama signed it).
Buy Danish on February 10, 2010 at 8:40 AM
Boehner has already told Greta Van Susteren that he doesn’t want to be led into a trap, so he’s well aware that the meeting could be a trap. He also said that the current Democrat bills from the House and Senate are unacceptable, and that it’s better to start from a blank sheet of paper.
If the meeting is televised, the GOP needs to make several of their own points about health care:
1. Tort Reform
2. Elimination of barriers to buy health insurance across state lines.
3. Authorize low-cost, high-deductible private insurance in all states.
4. Enable formation of private, for-profit co-ops whose only business is to buy group policies from large insurers and sell it to individuals and small businesses, at reduced rates.
They could also throw Democrats a bone by agreeing to prevent insurance companies from rejecting people with pre-existing conditions.
They need to stand AGAINST:
1. Government-run (public option) health insurance
2. Mandates to have health insurance and fines.
3. Taxes on private health insurance.
4. Cuts in Medicare benefits to fund new health care.
They also need to use the meeting to point out the number-juggling in the Democrat plans: taxing people starting in 2010 for a program whose benefits don’t start until 2013 or 2014. Ten years of taxes for 6 or 7 years of benefits–the CBO scoring is flawed, and an HONEST cost estimate would be based on ONE year’s costs vs. ONE year’s benefits, when both are in force!
Steve Z on February 10, 2010 at 9:33 AM
No they should not go because they are to stupid to recognize that this is just a photo op for the ONE and they will cave in to anything that’s presented to them, because they can’t help themselves. They don’t want to seem mean-spirited. The same RINO’s that have gotten the Republican party into the shape it’s in will go and roll over.
flytier on February 10, 2010 at 9:34 AM
Show up, present your argument, stand on your principles and give no ground.
bloviator on February 10, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Republicans can stand on the process they pointed out was flawed: adding things in reconciliation that change the nature of the bill involved. If you can’t do it for stuff you don’t like, then you can’t do it for stuff you like as that is the nature of the argument… it is changing the contents of either House or Senate bill in conference and presenting a new suite of add-ons, retractions and such that alter the nature of the original bills involved.
You can’t do it. That highly corrupt process has gotten to two different bills that cannot be reconciled through changes as those changes alter the bills involved significantly.
Thus you need a new process, from scratch, that is open and above-board. Trying to ‘fix it’ in reconciliation does not work… and if Republicans MEAN THAT for the stuff they don’t like they will stick with the PROCESS CRITICISM and point out that its too late to change the bills already moving around with Republican ‘ideas’.
That is if the party leaders Mean What They Say.
If not they are no better than the Democrats and need to go as they will change PROCESS to get to outcomes…. that makes the ENDS justify the MEANS.
ajacksonian on February 10, 2010 at 9:58 AM
I think it would be fine if they showed up and presented their arguments and listened to what Barry has to say. But they need to actually argue their points, which they didn’t do at the GOP retreat. When Barry starts spouting his dishonest talking points they need to call him out on it immediately. Interrupt him while he’s talking. Don’t let him get away with it. For example, the “every expert agrees with me” line that he constantly uses. They should have ready a list of well-known experts to refute this. When he accuses them of “the same old partisanship,” remind him immediately of the many, many examples of gross partisanship on his, Nancy’s, and Dingy Harry’s parts. This is how they screwed up at the GOP retreat. Other than Ryan, most of them just asked a question and then let Barry spew his lies without challenge. In short, if they go they need to get in his face and let him know that they are part of a coequal branch of government.
WarEagle01 on February 10, 2010 at 10:06 AM
GOP. Cowards.
Jimbo3 on February 10, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »