Was anything accomplished at President Obama’s health care summit on Thursday? Some policy wonks did not even turn on the TV, so interest is apparently lagging at this point. Who calls a summit in the middle of the Olympics, when any accomplishment pales in comparison to the thrill of watching snowboarders, skiers, Apolo Ohno or the South Korean skating queen?
Much time was spent on niceties and posturing on bipartisanship (mostly that health care costs money), and very little on substance (except that health care costs money). The president is still not clear on what he stands for (except that health care costs money) even though he put forth a slightly modified version of the Senate bill as his plan. Americans want to know about being cared for–not about money. The President did not have a clear message about why the Congress should pass legislation that is not a true overhaul of the system.
The President has a messaging problem; the Republicans do not. The Republicans are saying “start over.” The other simplistic Republican answer–medical malpractice reform– also came across more clearly than the President’s analysis of the costs of insurance premiums. The President spent too much time on the intricacies of lawmaking, turning the summit into a high school civics class.
The American people want the President to be stronger–to say that health care is a right and that the President will not negotiate on that issue and will only work toward legislation that covers and protects all Americans and does not put money in the pockets of health insurers. Only Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, with his analogy of insurers to sharks, brought clarity –and some emotion–to the day.
Americans don’t want to hear about the market based approach to health care, words that the President used too often. Americans know that’s what got us to the place where we are today. Such rhetoric breeds fear not favor in the hearts of most Americans. The President is having a hard time with the message because his legislation does not back up the promise of the campaign.
Some credit must be given to the summit participants who sat for 7 hours in THOSE CHAIRS–typical uncomfortable seating for weddings or bar mitzvahs when half the time is spent on the dance floor. No wonder nothing happened.
Tags: bipartisanship, health insurance, Health Reform, health summit february 2010, president Obama
Barack Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope,” has a appealing title. It has a taste of bravery mixed confidently. There is nothing Pollyanna about it. I may well not support everything he says, but he’s our president, and for me, he creates belief. Which can do more for any nation than any volume of backroom deals. Hope gives us energy, and energy sustains us through trying times. Boy, we’ve had them. I’m from West Texas, and I did not vote for Bush. When McCain ran against Obama, I was a citizen of Arizona, but I gave audacious hope a chance. The fight for progress and laying the foundations of prosperity isn’t over. I have seen the quips of those who don’t think Obama can make it. But step back a moment. Would anyone have most of us fail simply to tarnish the star of an incumbent for whom they didn’t vote? Attempting to keep our priorities straight, let’s work together with our president and build our future.
Really insightful – continue to spread the word. Looking forward to an update. For too long now have I had the need to begin with my own blog. Suppose if I put it off any longer I will never take action. I’ll be sure to add you to my Blogroll. Many thanks!!
Please keep these blog posts coming, I love reading your blog.