From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama is warning critics of health care reform quote that "The status quo is the one option that is not on the table."
Mr. Obama seems to promise a more open and inclusive push for expanded health care.
During a health care summit at the White House, the president vowed that he'll listen to anyone with a good idea, that there will be "no sacred cows" and that anyone who tries to block reform will not succeed this time around.
Mr. Obama seems to promise a more open and inclusive push for expanded health care than the failed effort by the Clinton administration 15 years ago. Although he wants coverage for all Americans - the president suggested he would compromise. In the 90s, President Clinton had promised to veto any measure that didn't give him what he wanted. Back then, Hillary Clinton led a secret effort that was mostly written by the White House with little input from lawmakers or interest groups. And it was roundly rejected.
However, President Obama is making a public show of consulting with a wide range of people right from the start. Yet he is setting a strict timeline - likely because the U.S. has 48 million people uninsured and the world's most expensive health care system. Aides say the president is determined to pass health care reform this year, and Democratic leaders say they hope to pass a bill by the end of the summer.
But it's not going to be easy. There are so many interests involved - from patients to doctors to labor unions, drug companies, insurers... and of course - lawmakers up for re-election next year.
Here’s my question to you: How can President Obama succeed where Hillary Clinton failed when it comes to health care reform?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ken from North Carolina writes:
Like roaches shun the light, keep the cameras on – so the public can see and hear what they say and do. Doctors, labor unions, drug companies, insurers and lawmakers don't like their public or shareholders to see them objecting to health care ideas that we want and need because of the PR damage it would cause. Keep the light on them. That's what he needs to do.
James writes:
Sadly, Jack, he won't. There are too many entrenched special interests. His effort will, however, illustrate how powerful these forces really are.
Deb from Nauvoo, Illinois writes:
Hillary Clinton has always been an unlikable woman. She was sandbagged by the radical Republican right wing and American health care took the bullet. We are hearing the same thing right now from the Limbaugh wing of that failed party. They don't care how they hurt America, as long as the Democrats fail.
Joan writes:
Yes! Then, most people had health insurance and the problem didn't touch very many people. Now, everyone knows someone whose life has been adversely affected by either the lack of health insurance, or by the very high costs of health care. The lobby to reform the current situation has had 16 years to change public opinion, and they've been very successful!
Lynda from North Carolina writes:
Obama can succeed by listening to health care professionals who are on the front lines. Leave the insurance and pharmaceutical companies out of the talks – all they want is profit, not good, efficient patient care. Do we ask the textbook and pencil makers about education reform? No we go straight to the teachers!
Herman from Fresno, California writes:
By being president rather than married to the president.