Obama - Over-exposed and Partisan in Prime Time Health Care Reform Pitch

The President made yet another prime-time appearance in support of national health care reform, and a weary public was treated to more rhetoric, specifically aimed at those who disagree with the current form of the legislation. In stating that the problem with health care reform lay in partisanship, the president display partisanship as he should know full well that the backlash to the current health care reform in congress is coming from the populace. (The current legislation has caused the general public great angst, and as a result, the general public has voiced (loudly) their opposition to certain aspects of this reform to their representatives – of which, Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats who want to maintain their position, have taken note.)
Those that actually tuned in were treated of more of the same finger pointing and soaring, well-delivered, rhetoric that has become part and parcel of the administrations playbook. To be fair, the President and his advisers, have been listening, as suddenly, the number of uninsured’s dropped from 47 Million to 30 Million apparently overnight (Text of speech), and there appeared to be a bit of dancing with, no direct mention, of a public option.

That said, the public is not buying, even in Massachusetts. An internet poll (accuracy can be suspect) on NBC Affiliate WWLP, Springfield, MA reported (after the President’s address) that 63% of those responding did not approve of the way the President was handling the issue (screen shot below)


In addition, the problem with passing the current legislation is more bi-partisan than partisan, a fact that should not have escaped the President, it is either that he is as out of touch with the Congress as he is with the general public, or he was stating an untruth. From the Drudge Report: :

“WHIP COUNT: DEMS LACK THE VOTES
Wed Sep 09 2009 17:03:37 ET

At least 44 more moderate Members of the Democrat Caucus have gone on the record in opposition to the current health care bill in the House, a Hill source claims. Likewise, at least 57 liberal Members of the Democrat Caucus have gone on the record saying they will vote against a health care bill without a strong public option.

Unless multiple Democrats flip on their stated position on health care, Speaker Pelosi lacks the votes to pass a bill through the House on the strength of Democrat votes alone.”

Note: the complete list and statements by those members are featured in that developing article.

Therefore, it goes without saying that some sort of reform is necessary, but the partisanship displayed by this administration and its like minded Congress is responsible. Suggestions, sensible and cost savings have been offered by those same Republican representatives the President disdains in his remarks, yet they are repeatedly rejected by the Democrat majority. As the public has become more selective and more adept at researching major issues, such as the health care reform act, they know when someone is crying wolf, too often, and additionally where the “blame”, to be fair, in part, lays.

Regarding the outburst of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), who reacted to a portion of the President’s address (coverage for illegal immigrants), by loudly calling out “Liar” - one must be sure that the time and place were not correct, given the established protocol of the setting. However, one must also realize, that on an emotional level, Representative Wilson was basically echoing the sentiments of, at the very least, 50% of the populace, regarding this particular issue. Understanding the differences between the general populace and a Representative of Congress; Rep. Wilson should have apologized, which he did, that said, one can expect reprimands, investigations, et al, in regards to his actions. The polls will be indicative of the actual percentage of the general public is in sync with Rep. Wilson.

Additionally, these polls, within the next week, will indicate how well this latest address was received by the general public (those who vote). As of this morning, Rasmussen’s Daily Tracking Poll, suggests the President’s approval has, overall, remained at or below 50% since August. Also, 68% now believe that the current legislation would result in larger deficits.