FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Ever since the debate over health care heated up this summer... the rap on President Obama is that he hasn't given enough details about what he wants, how it will work and how to pay for it. And, despite the president's speech to Congress this week - many say he still hasn't.
For the first time in that speech - Mr. Obama referred to a set of ideas as "my plan"... but he continued to paint with a fairly broad brush... and critics say he still hasn't been specific enough.
Instead - the White House is pretty much leaving the details to Congress, saying they'll consider all options. Leaving this to the "legislative process" is what got him in trouble to begin with.
As for the hotly-debated public option, the president seemed neutral - although liberals insist he's completely committed to it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - who had previously insisted on a public option - now says she'll consider any plan that increases competition and accessibility for health insurance.
Republicans want what they're calling a "blisteringly specific plan" from the President. And some Democrats say they don't think there's enough focus on the cost. John McCain says Obama's proposal is an "egregiously expensive and expansive form of government-run health care."
President Obama continues to promise that health care reform won't add "one dime" to the deficit... but he has failed so far to explain just how that's possible, and a lot of people don't think it is.
Here’s my question to you: Why won't the White House be more specific when it comes to health care reform?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Alexander writes:
It's pretty simple, Jack. First, the president doesn't write the bills, Congress does. Second, when Bill and Hillary tried to get reform back in the early 90's, they gave a specific bill to Congress, which was completely shot down. Obama has to walk a fine line between shoving reform down our throats, and being so ambiguous that it won't get done at all.
Steve writes:
They will not say how they will pay for it, because they have no clue. When they say they will cut waste fraud and abuse in Medicare, they are disingenuous. Why don’t they do that now? No one in government has ever cut substantial waste fraud and abuse in any program.
Nancy from Florida writes:
Pres. Obama is taking a neutral stance as he is ready and willing to compromise. I think it is a bad move but it is his decision.
Madeline from New York writes:
I guess some of us are not smarter than fifth grader. How much more specific can Pres. Obama be? If you have insurance, don't worry you keep it. The only thing that will change is lower premiums. If you don't have insurance, then you will get insurance either through insurance exchange or public option. You can't be turned down for pre-existing conditions or be dropped, ever! This is so simple that my 4th grader understands it. I simply don't get what all the fuss is about.
Donna writes:
It seems obvious to me that when someone skirts around an issue and doesn't answer a question, they either don't have an answer or they know that the answer would not serve them well. The president does not have a specific plan or he doesn't want to play his hand for fear of objections in congress or negative public opinion.
Michael writes:
If you knew what was really in a hot dog, it would make you ill. You’re just supposed to concentrate on the mustard and swallow.