Dean Of House To Nervous Dems: If We Fail On Health Care, We Lose

[one...two...tree 2,762]

In a tense, closed door caucus meeting this morning, during which House Democrats were made to go on the record on the question of whether they'd vote for a health care bill with a robust public option, some of the caucus' most nervous members got a bit of perspective from its longest serving members.

"It was really fairly simple speech," said Rep. John Dingell (D-MI). "All I did was to remind the members that the Republicans are out there to beat us by seeing to it that we accomplish nothing during this Congress especially on health care. It's exactly the same tactic, the same strategy they used in 1993. And I reminded them that that tactic took control of the House from us, because, one of the principal reasons was, we were not able to pass a health insurance bill."

Dingell tells me, "I reminded them that Democrats were divided on the issue. And I told them that if they want to come back and control the Congress they should get behind this bill."

I pointed out that there are 47 million Americans--not 35--that would be able to draw benefits under this. That's not only a moral, but an economic necessity. Because we can no longer afford the cost of health insurance... I pointed out that by 2082 or thereabout two curves will cross on a graph. The first the cost of health care the second the United States GDP. We're going to confront a massive and frightening situation.

The more immediate point, though, is that these members have made the wrong political calculation. "I told them that this country will support members that do what they think is right and go home and defend it," Dingell said, reminding them that the real danger is not that some of the bill's provisions, particularly the robust public option, might be unpopular in their districts, but that they go home empty handed.

Dingell's optimistic. "I think we're going to win--I think we very well have to win."

And he's putting that onus on the freshman and sophomore members who are still sitting on the fence on a robust public option bill, despite a week of intense lobbying on the part of Democratic leadership. "I also pointed out something--that this leadership is working much harder, and much more effectively on this legislation than last time on health care. It failed by only one vote that time. I pointed out that I don't think any of us would want to be the one vote that pulled this bill down."

We'll know soon if they were listening. Other Democrats were.

One progressive Democrat who supports the "robust" public option was moved by the speech.

That Democrat said Dingell reminded members Congress couldn't get health care done in the 30s, 40s, '65 or '93, and specifically took the blame for the bill's failure during the Clinton administration.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10...e.php?ref=dcblt

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

[Pooky 3,850]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

They are. Some of them are very aware of the simple fact that voting for this Bill may see them out of office in a little over a year. To them, that's really simple.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

They are. Some of them are very aware of the simple fact that voting for this Bill may see them out of office in a little over a year. To them, that's really simple.

Nonsense. The only sure way for a lot of he Dems to get kicked out of office is to again fail to deliver what they were elected to deliver.

[AlHayatZween 2]

"All I did was to remind the members that the Republicans are out there to beat us by seeing to it that we accomplish nothing during this Congress especially on health care. It's exactly the same tactic, the same strategy they used in 1993. And I reminded them that that tactic took control of the House from us, because, one of the principal reasons was, we were not able to pass a health insurance bill."

Take a 5-year-old to an ice cream shop, say pick any flavor you want, anything you want!!!

And they make a decision faster than these guys in Congress.

[AlHayatZween 2]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

They are. Some of them are very aware of the simple fact that voting for this Bill may see them out of office in a little over a year. To them, that's really simple.

Nonsense. The only sure way for a lot of he Dems to get kicked out of office is to again fail to deliver what they were elected to deliver.

i may agree w/ Pooky on this one... i think a lot of them are dragging their feet not because they are more concerned about their political future in their districts... way to do the right thing, ladies & gentlemen.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

They are. Some of them are very aware of the simple fact that voting for this Bill may see them out of office in a little over a year. To them, that's really simple.

Nonsense. The only sure way for a lot of he Dems to get kicked out of office is to again fail to deliver what they were elected to deliver.

i may agree w/ Pooky on this one... i think a lot of them are dragging their feet not because they are more concerned about their political future in their districts... way to do the right thing, ladies & gentlemen.

Again, there's no debate anymore over whether or not a health care reform bill will pass. That's a done deal. The question is whether the Members of Congress will pass a bill for the people they are supposed to represent or for the folks that purchased their ticket to office.

[AlHayatZween 2]

Indeed...

[Pooky 3,850]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

They are. Some of them are very aware of the simple fact that voting for this Bill may see them out of office in a little over a year. To them, that's really simple.

Nonsense. The only sure way for a lot of he Dems to get kicked out of office is to again fail to deliver what they were elected to deliver.

i may agree w/ Pooky on this one... i think a lot of them are dragging their feet not because they are more concerned about their political future in their districts... way to do the right thing, ladies & gentlemen.

Again, there's no debate anymore over whether or not a health care reform bill will pass. That's a done deal. The question is whether the Members of Congress will pass a bill for the people they are supposed to represent or for the folks that purchased their ticket to office.

Option 2: the self-interest of the members of Congress knows no bounds. I hope they get voted out anyway, regardless of how they vote. Bunch of useless, selfish, corrupt w*****s.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

They are. Some of them are very aware of the simple fact that voting for this Bill may see them out of office in a little over a year. To them, that's really simple.

Nonsense. The only sure way for a lot of he Dems to get kicked out of office is to again fail to deliver what they were elected to deliver.

i may agree w/ Pooky on this one... i think a lot of them are dragging their feet not because they are more concerned about their political future in their districts... way to do the right thing, ladies & gentlemen.

Again, there's no debate anymore over whether or not a health care reform bill will pass. That's a done deal. The question is whether the Members of Congress will pass a bill for the people they are supposed to represent or for the folks that purchased their ticket to office.

Option 2: the self-interest of the members of Congress knows no bounds. I hope they get voted out anyway, regardless of how they vote. Bunch of useless, selfish, corrupt w*****s.

The vast majority of then, yes. It would be great to prohibit, once and for all, any campaign contributions of any kind. There should be an election fund and that's it. Period. Member of Congress takes a gift - you're out. Done.

[kaydee457 13]

Sad that the caucus needs to be reminded of the obvious. One would hope that Members of Congress are smart enough to be aware of the simple things.

They are. Some of them are very aware of the simple fact that voting for this Bill may see them out of office in a little over a year. To them, that's really simple.

Nonsense. The only sure way for a lot of he Dems to get kicked out of office is to again fail to deliver what they were elected to deliver.

Umm dude, you're in the minority. Look at the polls. America, including myself BTW, are absolutely happy with my HC and don't wish to partition my benefit, one I worked for my entire life, and redistribute it to those that have none......

That's it in a nutshell. The have's and the moochers......

If the Dems continue on this path it will certainly decimate their numbers in the congress. They know it!

[rebeccajo 14]

Umm dude, you're in the minority. Look at the polls. America, including myself BTW, are absolutely happy with my HC and don't wish to partition my benefit, one I worked for my entire life, and redistribute it to those that have none......

That's it in a nutshell. The have's and the moochers......

If the Dems continue on this path it will certainly decimate their numbers in the congress. They know it!

Keep on thinkin' that dining at the company store is 'earning' your healthcare.

Yay!

[kaydee457 13]

Umm dude, you're in the minority. Look at the polls. America, including myself BTW, are absolutely happy with my HC and don't wish to partition my benefit, one I worked for my entire life, and redistribute it to those that have none......

That's it in a nutshell. The have's and the moochers......

If the Dems continue on this path it will certainly decimate their numbers in the congress. They know it!

Keep on thinkin' that dining at the company store is 'earning' your healthcare.

Yay!

Dining at the company store? You're clearly an old lady. My salary, and benefits are negotiated (no, not union) and I have EARNED a "Caddilac" plan.

Unfortunately the people in this country are awakening to the fact that "free HC" isn't free but rather is going to be enacted by taking from "us" and giving to "them"......

Socialism revealed......The polls reflect that awakening.

Edited October 24, 2009 by *entitlements_yay

[rebeccajo 14]

Umm dude, you're in the minority. Look at the polls. America, including myself BTW, are absolutely happy with my HC and don't wish to partition my benefit, one I worked for my entire life, and redistribute it to those that have none......

That's it in a nutshell. The have's and the moochers......

If the Dems continue on this path it will certainly decimate their numbers in the congress. They know it!

Keep on thinkin' that dining at the company store is 'earning' your healthcare.

Yay!

Dining at the company store? You're clearly an old lady. My salary, and benefits are negotiated (no, not union) and I have EARNED a "Caddilac" plan.

Unfortunately the people in this country are awakening to the fact that "free HC" isn't free but rather is going to be enacted by taking from "us" and giving to "them"......

Socialism revealed......The polls reflect that awakening.

You dip$hit.

Your benefits are a 'business decision' to your employer.

Get over yourself.

[kaydee457 13]

Umm dude, you're in the minority. Look at the polls. America, including myself BTW, are absolutely happy with my HC and don't wish to partition my benefit, one I worked for my entire life, and redistribute it to those that have none......

That's it in a nutshell. The have's and the moochers......

If the Dems continue on this path it will certainly decimate their numbers in the congress. They know it!

Keep on thinkin' that dining at the company store is 'earning' your healthcare.

Yay!

Dining at the company store? You're clearly an old lady. My salary, and benefits are negotiated (no, not union) and I have EARNED a "Caddilac" plan.

Unfortunately the people in this country are awakening to the fact that "free HC" isn't free but rather is going to be enacted by taking from "us" and giving to "them"......

Socialism revealed......The polls reflect that awakening.

You dip$hit.

Your benefits are a 'business decision' to your employer.

Get over yourself.

Have another cocktail, dear.......