I think the Republican outbursts made them look small. Given what they've gotten away with for the past month I'm not surprised they overplayed their hand.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Healthcare speech
I woke at 4AM to watch the speech. Well done, Mr. President. He gave all the elements I wanted: No pre-existing conditions, catastrophic care (McCain idea '08, Kerry idea '04), and competition (though not quite a public option). He included something I wasn't expecting: Mandated coverage. The only way insurance works is if everyone pays in. Right now millions of 20-somethings are rolling the dice without coverage. It's a smart gamble. They probably won't need insurance and if something really bad happens they'll end up on the public health insurance. Forcing them to buy at least a catastrophic plan is good idea.
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I always thought that the office of the President was shown respect no matter what. Bush was given respect throughout his 8 years and all of his speeches (except for that shoe throwing incident).
ReplyDeleteIt is sick that representatives elected by the people would act in such a manner. I am glad though to listen to a speech from a president that has charisma, is articulate and thrives in front of crowds.
I may not agree with everything Obama is doing or saying but I am proud how he represents the United States.
Not surprised to hear there are already t-shirts out in Wilson's district saying "I'm with Joe" I am willing to bet they will make him a celebrity in a Joe the Plumber fashion.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like it either, but your memory is incomplete.
ReplyDeleteRemember that Bush was booed and heckled in the '05 state of the union speech (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2009/09/10/flashback_democrats_boo_bush_at_2005_state_of_the_union.html).
Dems claimed they it because the GOP heckled Clinton (http://mediamatters.org/research/200502040014).
And who can forget Mr. Searchlight (now senate majority leader Harry Reid) calling Bush a “loser” also in 2005 (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/06/AR2005050601814.html). Reid, of course, said he was outraged by yesterday's outburst.
This stuff isn’t good but has gone on for some time. Everyone needs to remember it's not the House of Commons and they should not let their emotions get the best of them.
My take -- maybe the now-infamous Joe Wilson can invite Obama down to Charleston for a beer and let ‘cooler heads prevail.’ It seems this could be yet another ‘teachable moment.’
-mtyler
I think you're comparing a speeding ticket to a hit and run and claiming they are both "traffic violations."
ReplyDeleteAnd Reid's comment was not during the President's speech. What Joe Wilson says after the President's speech is his business.
Also, it doesn't help his case that he was factually wrong in his outburst.
I SO held my breath as Obama looked over at Joe Wilson, and I came close to praying he would say something like, "Joe, come on up here. Let's talk. No, come on. I insist." Then, in my dream, Joe Wilson came up to the podium and Obama said to him, "Joe, please tell the Congress, the American people and particularly your constituents what YOU and your fellow Republicans are going to do to make healthcare available to everyone. And, while you are at it, enlighten me as to just WHAT I am lying about." No such luck!!!
ReplyDeleteOoh - I would have LOVED to have seen Obama call Joe Wilson up!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Bush was heckled over four YEARS after he had been in office and had taken us into a war that was based on false premises.
I agree with Steve on the speeding ticket vs. hit-and-run comparison...