Should Obama force Congress to vote on health care reform?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When it comes to health care reform, it almost feels like President Obama doesn't want to get his hands dirty. House Democrats are planning a vote on their 2,000 page bill this weekend - which is fine, but it won't mean anything unless the Senate acts too, and that's looking less likely
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/05/art.obama.podium.jpg]
After losing governorships in Virginia and New Jersey - and after being told by Majority Leader Harry Reid that his health care reform is probably going to be put off until next year in the Senate - President Obama was out the day after the election making a speech about education in Wisconsin.
What if instead he made a speech that said:
"That's enough. I've tried to be bipartisan. I've tried to leave Congress alone to do its job. In general, I've tried to be a nice guy through it all, but it's not working. And before we lose any more governorships, Senate seats or congressional seats, here's what I've decided to do:
"I'm ordering the Congress to remain in session until both houses vote on a final version of health care reform. Pass it or don't, but you're not going home until you address it. And if that means you work through Thanksgiving and Christmas and Easter and the 4th of July, so be it. You were sent here to do the people's business and you're not going on vacation until it's done."
The Constitution gives him this power. According to Article 2, Section 3, the president "may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them." Harry Truman called such an emergency session in 1947.
Here’s my question to you: Should President Obama keep Congress in session and force them to vote on health care reform?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Frank writes:
Yes, yes, yes. I just heard your comments on TV and couldn't agree with you more. I voted for President Obama (just like all of my family members did) exactly for this reason: that he would cut through red tape and get things done that have been ignored for years. I still strongly support the president. But we need some strong actions soon, very soon.
Elena writes:
That was a beautiful speech, Jack! Too bad it came from you and not from the person it should, Mr. President!
Rick writes:
No way, Jack. I'm against it. My health care coverage is fine. Medicare works for the most part. The poorest of Americans get their health care free. Just come up with a gap insurance for those stuck in the middle. Don't overhaul the whole system. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Jeff writes:
Jack, Great idea. This has gone on long enough. Let’s vote on this, one way or the other. Then move on with other important business.
Todd from New Jersey writes:
Pres. Obama should definitely make Congress stay and televise every single day. This way, those arrogant elitists won’t be able to hide and their constituents will know exactly what they stand for.
Elizabeth writes:
No, this should be well thought-out and not rushed through without thinking.
Ian from Los Angeles writes:
Jack, I'm voting for you in 2012. And to answer your question: yes, he needs to put his fist down for once. This is getting ridiculous.
Jon writes:
Yes, it's time for the president to kick some ass.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Absolutely!!!!! They have to face the voters back home, if he has to force them to be responsible, then so be it. We want health care reform and if they have to be forced to vote on it then we know what we'll have to do come election time.
Yes, absolutely. Left to Pelosi and Reid nothing will happen until the Grand Canyon is twice as deep. So much for a pat on the back, they need a boot in the butt.
YES! That is the only way it will get done this year.
YES! And I think your speech example is just perfection!! E-mail President Obama a copy of those words ASAP!
Yes. Congress need to be at Capitol Hill doing the jobs that the people voted for them to do, instead of running around playing politics.
Jack
According to his stragety he should. In my opinion, He shouldn't. But President Obama is from Chicago and strong arming Congress to force a vote, by his experience is, what he knows to do. I'll make you eat it by forcing it down your throat. I hope congress throws it up, I mean out!!
And when congress rejects it, here we go with round two
The President should only make them vote for a bill that he has no problem with and it contains policies that he agrees with.
Fred
Livingston, AL
That seems like a very bad strategy. They could simply pass legislation he would never sign and force him to veto legislation on one of his major issues.
I think a positive vote for Health care reform will happen in the house and soon. The senate is another story. Senator Reid has to grow a pair and get his votes in order and get the bill passed.
HEALTHCAREGOP is a joke. Their answer is the status qua. What you have is what you get, with no changes to your policy. Congress, cowboy up and get this dammed thing passed, and passed correctly with no add ons!
Either that or make everyone who is uninsured eligible for medicare and require everyone to accept it.
Hey, I'd like to know why we are paying for our elected officials to boycott meetings on climate change. I'm sick of paying these people to do nothing.
Definately. The longer this gets dragged out the more we're ALL going to suffer under the increasingly crushing costs of the existing health care system. Obama should put chains and padlocks on the capital doors and force Congress to work something out.
President Obama has to stop trying to be the nice guy and play hardball with congress. Let the tea party protesters dump their tea.....Congress was hired by ALL the people not just those that are against government. Stand up and do what is right for this nation and the majority of the people who elected you to office Congress.
Without a doubt. It may not get done unless he pushes them to do it.
Be nice if he forced someone to do something besides bailout Wall Street. What do we get for our money?
Hello Jack:
YES he should do that until it passes.
Ron K. Temecula, Ca
Well it is about time that someone finally takes a stance and orders the so-called elected representatives in the Senate and House to actually stick around and do the work we "slave" (opps pay) them to do! Should not make any difference who the President is or what's at stake. I for one, am sick and tired of these fat, overpaid idiots not doing what they were voted to do!!
I would love to see that. It would probably be the defining moment of the entire presidency.
I hope Obama fails to pass health care because its obvious this is just going to be another social program that will be paid for by future generations–who are already pretty much indentured servants to the abject corruption and greed of Obama's generation. I've had enough of Obama and his peers robbing me and mine.
Forcing Congress to vote on a Health Care bill is like teaching a pig to sing. It wastes Obama's time and irritatres the pig,Keeping things in their proper prospective, Jack, the insurance industry ( along with their co-horts) have paid huge amounts of money to get those good civil servants elected. Do you honestly think that our elected officials would pass legislation to piss off their biggest contributors by derailing ttheir gravey train.
Yes;
Get a plunger out and unclog this logjam because it is going to be the same delay , evade and scare tactics .
Should President Obama keep Congress in session and force them to vote on health care reform?
YES!
Who cares if there are 2 new GOP state governors, they don't vote in the House or Senate, do they!
The Democrats picked up 2 seats in the House on the same day and THEIR votes DO Matter.
No one should go home until Health Care Reform is passed.
And if there is a hint of a fillabuster, then Harry should use the nuclear option!
Jenna
Roseville CA
jack i will be very brief. HELL YES
That is an excellent idea, Jack.
Our country desperately needs Health Care Reform and the Public Option. Too many politicians are playing their political games and striving for headlines rather than benefiting the American people.
Too many politicians are putting party first, winning at any cost, trying every sewer tactic they can to destroy our president and everything he tries to get accomplished for us and our country.
He has had destruction and obstruction from politicians who are
supposed work for and care about the American people.
No. It would look like desperation bordering on panic on the part of the White House. Unfortunately, perception is reality in politics and the image of Obama actually doing this, and congress failing to pass the bill, would be disastrous to his presidency.
Something has to be done to keep the spiraling costs from going out of control,wait they already have. It is amazing to us americans that those we elect to the congress and senate act and whine like little children at at playground waiting for their turn to kick the ball. Well Jack they missed it by a country mile and if Obama doesn't do something and fast to get them to pass health care reform; we all have lost
Yes he should Jack. They need to get the politics out of this situation because as I sit here and type this message to you, someone has a lump in their breast and do not know it because they cannot afford insurance. Someone is having slight chest pains but refuse to go to the doctor or for that matter the emergency room because they do not want to receive a large bill that they cannot pay. It is amazing how people who already have insurance can play polictics with other peoples lives.
YES!!! Keep them working until they pass a healthcare bill. The house looks close to being finished with their bill, but the senate. We have guys like Grassley who just want to hand Obama a defeat without any consideration of the real people out here who need healthcare.
No, Obama should not force Congress to stay in session using the executive power. He'd be better off doing an LBJ and get Reid and other key senators in the oval office and smash their heads together. Time for Obama to take a leadership position and get 'er done.
No, because Joe Lieberman would vote against it just out of spite. But, with today's endorsement by both the American Medical Association and by AARP of the house bill - and AARP's statements that the bill strengthens medicare, the bill will gain momentum. Also, that long-promised republican bill was just scored and it will add to the deficit over ten years and will only insure 3 million more americans - unlike the democrat's bill which will insure an additional 30 million. AND the republican's bill does nothing about ending pre-existing conditions.
Yes. It's about time Obama showed some backbone on this issue. Unless the president spends a lot of his political capital on this issue, he risks defeat at the hands of his own party. Forget the Republicans. They've made it clear they have no intention of cooperating on this or any other piece of legislation. Get in there, Mr. President, and start swinging a heavy bat before it's too late.
It would be nice if he would, however it might not be wise if the votes aren't there.
Jack,
Can you imagine if all of us were getting so many days off per year?
They have to stay and vote on health care reform. People are dying and they are out there talking about how this bill is government take over! I read the bill and I didn't see that. Loosing in Virginia where I live has nothing to do with the presisent agenda. The candidate distanced himself from the president. Remember that the President Obama promised the heath care reform during the campaign and american people voted for him. He has to sign the bill with or without Republican't.
Paul
Chantilly, Virginia
For What????? They haven't done "ANYTHING", repeat, they haven't done ANYTHING sofar this year. If they are kept in session they will only raise their own pay and give themselves better health care or increase their own benefits . You can also bet they would want overtime pay and an extra vacation to make up for their time spent working. 365 day in a year and these MORON's actually only work for 13 of them the rest is spent raising money for themselves or on junkets or fact finding missions re: (vacation)!!!!
The AARP endorsement does not speak for me. As a member of AARP and an American over 60 years of age I do NOT endorse a plan estimated at $1.2 trillion dollars (or anywhere near that figure) plan that will saddle my children and grandchildren with the massive, crippling debt this will cause. AARP is wrong in my opinion about this.
Lock em all up with no access to media or lobbyists until a health bill is passed.
Yes I think he should do that. Congress does nothing but waste time and tax payer dollars. I wish I had a job that I could go to, do practically nothing, say things that people want to hear and take an abundance of time off. These people in Congress should try getting a REAL job not a cush job because they got voted in. President Obama should make them stay in session until he is satisfied they are doing their part as voted in by the American people. He should make them work harder than any other Congress before because they owe it to the American people. The last 8 years with GW Bush were a total waste of time and no one did anything. They could have had an egg timer be president for put the country on cruise control for 8 years and you would not have seen a difference. I would ask President Obama to make Congress accountable for passing legislation that fixes health care. I cannot understand for the life of me why in the USA both sides can't come together to get this done. Republicans don't care about people and I get the feeling that Democrats are too weak to fight against the system. Get things done people. You are elected to do so, not sit on your behind and make lots of money doing nothing. President Obama, put Congress to work on health care and everything else that will improve this country. Stop wasting time. Get things done. You are a good president but you need to push the buttons on the people that pass the laws. The time for waiting and being nice is over.
Sure, if they need to be forced in order to vote, so be it. Let the Senate and Congress be accountable to the people who elected them. Whether you are for or against passage of a health care reform bill (I am personally for), they should do the job they were sent to do. Propose, debate, refine, then finally, vote. The chips will fall where they may. Then, we move on the the next issue....All of this posturing for the next election has to stop.
I trust the intelligence and judgment of this president, and I think he is more concerned with getting a health care reform bill that is right, rather than rushed. Congresses have been ignoring these needed reforms for decades. I doubt if this president would rather have an incomplete bill than one a few months late.
President Obama should definitely step-up and force congress to vote on this bill before the end of the year. This was a campaign promise to the American people, and no-one should be taking a vacation while so many Americans are suffering without health insurance or inadequate health insurance.
I would love to see President Obama stop dithering and actually get something done. No more Mr. Nice Guy! Attempting to be bipartisan with the obstructionist party has been a nonstarter since Inauguration Day. I hope he uses your speech, Jack! He also needs to show some leadership and get his own party in line if he wants to move his agenda.
Jack, Obama should let them know right now that no one goes home until this thing gets done. There's no vacation from the fear those without health insurance feel every day. Would these folks go on vacation if keeping their health insurance depended on their votes? I think they'd get their priorities in order pretty fast.
Rich Green
San Clemente, Cal.
Hi Jack –
I say this because I know that you are aware that our President is 1/3 of our government. His role is to stay out of the path that Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) takes.
It is also painfully obvious from reading or hearing your opinions that you have no faith in the capabilities of our Congress ... the term "Dysfunctional" comes to mind. Nor do I for that matter so we are on the same page.
If Congress needs some additional pushing, it will come via being pushed out the door due to their ignorance come election time. The cries of the citizens have been heard long enough, as well as the media to point out that we have issues regarding an efficient government. We do not need a presidential mandate for them to do their job. Besides, it is not the president's job to browbeat the Congress ... that to me is the role of our election processes.
I have no fear that the citizens of the great USA will remember the names of the Representatives and Senators who themselves decided what is best for their constituents instead of listening to them and representing them .... the days until the next election keep getting shorter and shorter ... wait until you see the heads roll in the next election.
You worded that perfectly Jack. I couldn't have said it better. Our President needs to lay down the law. I would have so much more respect for President Obama if he ordered congress to get the job done.
He needs to portray himself as the new sheriff in town and tell them this is how its going to get done and its going to get done now. The people would love him for it. We are tired of the bickering and whining. We need a tough President for tough times.
This is no country for wimp leadership.
A. I'm pretty sure he can't force them.
B. Extra sessions cost extra money – to do nothing.
C. There is no point – based on what I heard – because this bill is only going to help the insurance companies. Rob in NC
YES! It could be whats needed to get that bunch of whining cry baby's off their butts and actually do something, anything besides collecting their paycheck, you know the one that we the people pay them. I know it's such a small part of their income, but without it and their title, they wouldn't be able to rake in the rest of their ill gotten gains!
Dave from NH.
On this topic Jack I've got to agree with you. I think the president should force Congress to stay in session and make them actually earn their luxury salaryy and health care benefits for once. I do have to say that it seems that the congressional leadership is the problem on this issue. If I were in charge and I had the authority I would fire all of the leaders. The ones in those positions now don't even deserve to be re-elected since they are so bad. Sen. Reid needs to lose his leadership position since he does not get anything of value accomplished. Pelosi also should lose her job as "mouth of the party. While she has a mouth she never puts it to good use. If I were in her district I would not waste my vote on her. I would only vote to help her find unemployment
It would be a big win for the Pres. and the WhiteHouse if Congress Passes the HealthCare Bill by the end of the year and it looks like the Dems will get it DONE!!! They need all the votes they can get next years vote.
John Ca.
If the "We the People" had any power President Obama could keep congress in session and get away with it, but the people are as wishy-washy as the President.
Hi Jack,
Yes, the President should hold Congress in sesion until the Heath Care vote is taken. I think the voters are making it clear they are tired of Congress doing nothing. Democrat, Republican or Independent, if they cannot do the job vote them out. If they cannot get the job done in time, work overtime.
Yes he should. It is about time the U.S. Congress truly idenfies their ability to represent the American people instead of big business via lobbyists. If they fail to do so their constiuents should take appropriate action.
He needs to do something, anything, other than give speeches. No one expects him (or anyone) to turn the country around on a dime and repair all the damage done over 8 years by the last administration. But he needs to DO something now for us, those who got him elected. There are about a dozen things that take only the stroke of a pen to correct which need no congressional votes or approval. But he hasn’t lifted a finger. So far all he has done was to raise my middle class taxes (broken promise) and give that money to dishonest billionaires who ripped off the country; removed even more of my rights to privacy by voting for perpetual and universal immunity from prosecution for illegal spying by telecoms (broken promise); has held no one accountable for the myriad of crimes and criminal activity during the last 8 years (broken promise); failed miserably to corral a Democratic Congress to do what they all know needs to be done, which is to reform healthcare with a public option and instead just ignores the problem (broken promise). When is it our turn? It seems like the Democratic party has strayed as far from its core principles as has the Republican party. Enough! The next Independent gets my vote whoever they are.
He could, but he won't because he doesn't really believe in it. The promise of Healthcare Reform got him elected, but he has no intention of following through. Congress is just going through the motions. The real goals of this administration have already been realized – to prop up the banks and the the auto industry and take care of the unions. Don't expect much else to happen...
While I would agree that this matter is of such importance that it should be acted upon as quickly as practical I do not think, nor do I believe that President Obama would take such action. You should know by now that it is not in his character to "force" anything. Force is for those without the cerebral capacity to use reason and logic to solve a problem. When we look back on this health care process in the future I am sure the pure genius of President Obama's "handling" of the matter will be evident.
Some wise person once stated that instead of telling someone how to do something it is often better to tell them what you want and let their creativity and ingenuity find the answers. This is where our President excels.
S. Calhoun
Washington State
I think the DEMS can get the bill by the end of the year because who can read a 2000 pages of laws by them unless you are a lawyer?
John Ca.
Jack –
Probably not a bad idea, but the weasels in Congress would figure out a way around him – perhaps claiming they cannot convene because one Member may have been exposed to the Swine Flu & cannot possibly risk an epedemic on Capitol Hill. That would be close enough to a potential 'crisis' to allow them to shirk their duties til the winds change again.
Pathetic lot!
By all means. There has been sufficient fear-mongering and lieing about health care reform. If President Obama doesn't put his foot down with all this pussy-footing being done by both Democrats and Republicans, we will end up with no kind of health reform which is exactly what some of these congressmen want since they receive such big money from the heath insurance companies and pharmacueticals.
Yes Jack he should. Tact and bipartism should be the first steps but as the old saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. It's time to say "enough". The congress was elected to govern for all the people, not just the conservatives or privileged few. If they wont work with the President then he needs to work without them.
Keeping Congress in Session won't accomplish much so the better move might be to abolish Congress and develop a governing system that actually works for the constituents and the Country.
Definitely. That is leadership!
Due to the sheer size of the bill and the magnitude of the expenditures, we need to have enough time to fully understand what is actually contained in this legislation and exactly how it will be paid for. I think we will take months before we really understand what we are about to sign up for.
Jack I think that he should for the simple reason that will allow him to get on to his other agenda. I don't understand what the hold-up with the blue-dogs. May-be deep down, they are like the republicans, they want him to fail. I hear that a large majority of the staes that the blue-dogs represent want a public option.I don't expect anything from the republicans except the party of no. The democrats need to stay together and get this thing done.
DAMN RIGHT, JACK! Medicare Passed With a Few Votes in '65 or '67?
I have Health Care + So Does My Wife + Her Health Care is Unaffordable With "Zilch Coverage"+ Premiums are Way Up in "Republican High Horse Heaven!!"
We Say Put the Ball In THEIR COURT! Pass a Simple Health Care Reform Bill Based on The "Familiar Medicare Model," Put It Into Action + Have Congress Figure Out the Details They are So Afraid of But Do It On Their Own Time With The Uninsured Being Insured While They Do It!
If They Care So Much, Then Can Get the Lead Out!
Jack, we just got rid of one cowboy in the White House, and now you want another one. President Obama is patient and persistent. He believes in diplomacy, not ultimatums. Slow and steady will win the day.
Jack,
In a word yes. But we must face the fact that the real power in the United States is held by money. A person, be they live or corporate, gets as many votes as it has money. One vote for each dollar available to buy the legislator or official.
So there may not be the votes to remove the huge profits and benefits of the private health system where the corporations ration medical care by the patients ability to pay. They also enjoy tax payer paid subsidies and an anti-trust exemption too.
Notice our Wall Street millionaires got their H1N1 vaccinations and we do not. There it is for all to see. Its the money Jack!
YES. Let the politicians tell everyone where they stand on this issue. Then the Voters who elected those Politicians can inform the Politicians how THEY feel on the issue and bypass the Special Interest groups, after all the Health Care Industry does not vote them into office.
Obama should resign bofore he destroys America.
Jack C
WA
Jack, IF I were President Obama, I would invite every Blue Dog Democrat into the Oval Office for a little chat. And I would say this......
" Vote for the Healthcare Bill with Public Option, or we, Democrats will have a Democrat run against you in 2010!"
That should wake some of these schmucks up!
Including, Blue-Dog Jim Matheson of Utah, who says he is a Democrat but is really a "closet GOPer"! We have written to him and called, telling Rep. Matheson that he will not have our vote IF he sides with the GOP!
The President needs to do whatever it takes to pass this legislation. The once-proud Republican Party and their wing-nuts have so distorted things that they have actually convinced people to vote against their own best interests. The Republican Party has lost their soul.
No he should not. He has allowed this thing to get muddied up to the point of you're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't-and no one knows enough about the "bills" being floated to take any kind of stand. His original call for a budget neutral public option was and is the correct call. His original proclamation that we have waited 30 years for the insurance companies to get things honest and fair was also correct.
Now the whole health care debate has been steered by our incompetent and beholding "legislators" whose best strategy is to confuse everyone to the point of non-action. Someone a lot smarter than me once said you can never tell me what something is by telling me what it isn't ....Well who says?
Yes. It's about time he stood up and played leader for awhile.
We do send people to Congress to take care of what we need in an intelligent and expedient manner.
Obama should hold their feet to the fire right away.
Maria
Brunswick.MD
Yes. It is past time for Congress to quit stalling, act in a responsible manner for a change, quit acting like a bunch of spoiled 5 year olds and pass the health care bill. THEY have THEIR health care set up for life. It is past time for them to quit being so selfish, mean spirited, rotten and bratty and to think of their constituants. Quit squabbling and pass the bill already!!!! Enough is enough!!!!!
The Democratic losses of two days ago will be replicated and at a greater magnitude in 2012 unless President Obama forgoes bi-partisanship and trying to make everyone happy. Forcing Congress to vote on health care reform would be a start and a much needed step in the right direction.
Absolutely. Let there be a free, open debate on the real issues, and not the demagoguery of death panels or socialized medicine, and let all in Congress vote so that their voters will know where they were and what they did when the issue of the health care of all residents of the USA was considered. It would be useful knowing who was being funded by special interests such as trial lawyers, insurance companies, or health insurers.
Love you, Jack. I couldn't have said it better, myself. You are right in target. I just wish the President would read your remarks. It is high time that he exerted his authority as the leader of this country. He should demand the vote on health care. Who is in charge here? Boy, you can bet your life that Bush would not have stood for this. And that's a lot for me to state, as I am not nor have I ever been a fan of Mr. Bush!!
Jack .... goodness you are beginning to sound like some of those othe people on that other network....President Obama is trying to treat Congress like you know... adults.... but they are having trouble with their big boy/girl pants they dont fit ..... so before they recess without reform he needs to step in.
Jack, That is a GREAT idea. Does Obama have the guts to do something like this? You MUST be kidding. NOT going to happen! Besides, he may be able to keep them in session, however, he can't force them to vote on any particular issue and he/they know that. Would be fun to watch the ensueing battle of wills, though.
Yes President Obama should keep Congress in session and force them to vote on health care reform, Absolutly. But Jack and Iam such a fan of yours but I have a question, shouldn't Congress and The Senate be voting on Obama's bill? You know the bill he proposed when he campaigned and the bill that he proposed to the American people when he took office, Jack that bill where he said affordable health care should be available to everyone if you have insurance and you like it then you can keep it and nothing will happen but if you don't like your current insurance or don't have health insurance you can switch to the affordable goverment option and it will be paid for by simply rolling back all the George W Bush taxcuts for the rich and we'll raise taxes on the rich who make $250,000 or more a year. Jack this is so simple and could have all been avoided all these town halls and this and that if the Democrats would have stuck behind there leader which is President Obama and Republican's are wrong to because they don't want to support Obama on nothing he stands for, if they just him do things the way he campaigned on then nothing would be wrong but the way things are going I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see a health care bill until probably next year, makes me wish Hillary would have won the primary's and became the Democratic Nominee and then she would have been President today, How you dooooin Madame Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
It's not the vote or the timetable that matters - it's the bill and what it contains/doesn't contain that matters. If Congress and the president were serious about expanding coverage to those who can't afford it – it's easily done by expanding Medicare coverage and increasing payments to free clinics and charitable hospitals. Instead of doing that, they are writing 2000 page bills that deal that does little to expand coverage and lower costs. When is the media going to get serious reporting about what this bill actually contains? This historic vote is only days away and CNN and other news outlets have done little in the way of comprehensive overview.
If they do not pass health care bill we will all have to go to India for affordable health care. Maybe that is what Republicans want.
Take Congress's health care away until they pass the bill. fire every blue dog in sight.
No.
Rushed actions give rushed results and this bill is WAY too important and costly to be rushed!!!!!!
President Obama is handling this as he is supposed to. The House gets together and passes a bill, then the Senate gets together and passes their bill and all he needs to do is sign it. The trouble with the Republicans is they are all lined up with the Insurance company's and getting their pockets filled with lots of cash. They could care less about anyone but themselves, otherwise they would have passed it when Bush was in office. Whine, whine, whine.
Obama has to move carefully as the GOP has descended into a death spiral of hate and sheer delusion. As I type, Teabaggers are displaying Nazi imagery as part of their protest in Health Care in Washington. This is the depths to which the GOP has sunk.
The only real discussions in Health Care reform are taking place between moderate and progressive Democrats as the GOP has nothing to offer but Holocaust pictures. The GOP has become truly demented.
Since the Congress cant seem to get anything done during normal days what makes you think that making them stay will get something done. We elected officials to represent us in Washington but when they get there they vote alone party lines no matter if the bill would be good for us back home or not. We might as well just have two people in Washington and not a full Congress.
I have written my republican congressman and told him to get into this healthcare bill or be voted out. They tried to prevent universal care for Americans in 1982, Now the same broken record is playing. Why can't Americans have the same helthcare as our "elected" leaders.
If he forces the issue, it will fail. Which, means the Healthcare debate will just end up being delayed for a few more years until the next President comes along. This legislation does not have enough support. They need to scrap the whole thing, go back to the drawing board, and draft something that won't drive our country into bankruptcy. President Obama can stamp his foot and holler all he wants and force an emergency session, but I think it is an abuse of power, and sealing his fate of failure. Unfortunately, he is more interested in saving his image than preserving the long-term future of Americans
Boy would I LOVE to hear him say that, and see the faces of the malingerers in congress when they realize they have to work for a change. The president will have to lower the boom on them if he wants anything done.
Yes Jack. The honeymoon for the president is over and he needs to shed this nice guy image.
Congress has been dragging their feet with everyone having a different idea as to what health reform should be.
No wonder the bill already has 2000 pages.
Forget about the bipartisan way, the republicans are not going to help it pass. They were bought out by the insurance companies several months ago.
Duh, Jack, the President cannot FORCE Congress to do anything. His sole power in respect to the Congress is to sign or veto the bills that they pass.
Can he try and influence them? Sure. Can he strongly encourage those of his own party, as he is the de facto party leader? Sure. Can he use his position as President to express his disppointment or disapproval? Of course. But force – never. That is why we do not have an imperial President, but a Constitutional republic.
It is imperative that people see that the President is bound to use concensus and team-building in order to accomplish what he promised. Too bad his own team is not helping more...
I think Obama needs to begin acting like a leader. The results of Tuesday's elections have nothing to do with the Obama administration's policies, but rather the lack of them. The President has majorities in both chambers that any other President can only dream of having. If Democrats don't pass health care by year's end, they can kiss their seats goodbye in 2010.
Jack, No vote, No Health care.
I support this Presidency 110%........ The dreamer in me is still awaiting the DEMS in congress (really in the Senate) to band together, though we're all so different in the DEM caucus which I respect.......however right now we're the party w/ defining answers for many issues............
In short Jack, yes the President may have to summon the two chambers together.
Great idea, if nothing else to get it addressed. But after it fails to pass, he should make an unprecedented bold move.
Overhaul the system to a SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM!
(i.e. Medicare for ALL)
It is the best solution that has been proven in other countries, of which have higher life expectancy rates!
Middle class must fight back!
-to vote on what, Jack? The corporations will get whatever they want no matter what gets passed as "healtcare reform." We The People be damned. Murika sucks.
Our congress shouldnt be forced to do squat this is a country of free speech and free will if any thing if the people dont want this crappy bill then the presidents job is to do the will of the people .
No, just take away their health care,Put a end to the two wars and we would have money for health care, take 50 million and buy their vote
If this president trys to force his will on the people of the United States then its time for impeachment.
The problem rests in defining 'extraordinary circumstances'. Seperation of powers would not allow the president to use that clause on just any issue. If congress were felt forced they would just vote healthcare down and go home. It's best to save the use of that clause for an economic collapse or a war.
Yes, absolutely. Congress needs to act. Obama should give them a nudge.
Jack!
If it can't be read, it shouldn't be voted on. Period!
Rory Murray
San Bernardino, CA
The President is NOT being assertive enough in the health care debate. He needs to retake the high moral ground from the Conservatives. President Obama needs to reminds all Americans that in this country, it is inexcusable that we have 40 million people without health care coverage. Our current health care insurance system is broken! It's is time for Americans to take our health care delivery system back from the insurance companies, and to demand universal health care coverage for all Americans.
No. The first order of business for the President should be is to forced Senator Boehner to read the Constitution and then read the Declaration of Independence before he attempts to recite it again in public. After that is done, maybe we won't get any more misinformation Boehner's others have put out there because they will be forced to read it and pass it.
Yes, there should be no reason it should be going on this long. Apparently republican party is apart of such a long delay of such a important issue. It's time for president Obama to sit down with his own party and get thing together on the same page.
Obama should be man enough to say that Obamacare and the Cap and Trade bills are a mistake and that the House and the Senate should drop debate on these failed ideas that the American public don't want.
If I were President Obama, I would. Why should we bother showing up to vote for these spineless clowns, or send them our hard earned dollars, if they can’t bother with the agenda we voted for in the first place? Of course then we wind up with the Klan party.
Absolutely, they need to stand up and be counted. Years from now when history looks back we need to see who had a spine and who did not.
Congress is generally gutless, avoids accountability and is self serving. They live to get re-elected, not to do the peoples work. So many of them vote their with their financial constituents and not the voters in their district.
Like your talk show,I would like people to think about this before they do anything.Who is going to pay for this but us.They need to think if they are on little income,what is they goin to do when the taxes go up.You know that the middle class has all ways paid for it.This time you will be paying more than you have before,also they class not the middle class will also pay.The big money wont pay for it.Why not cut there pay who wont to bo this.Look at all the money that they spend noncent.Take that money to pay for it.Keep tell it like it is,dont let them get to you.If you wont to cut ,cut medicad in half.All the free food they get and dont work for it.that would pay a lot on it.Please think what they are going to do ,because medicare is not what it is.We need Madicare to pay more than it does.THANK & GOD BLESS YOU
Yes. Now that he finally has what he's been waiting for,(endorsements from AARP & the AMA), and that everyone now knows how much they will be helped by this plan, everything can move forward. President Obama has uncannily good timing, as with his decision on Afghanistan.(Republicans want him to make a hasty decision, so they'll have more to criticize, & SOONER. By the way, what have those 3 elections got to do with the President? Only the 1 in N.Y. was a surprise; the other 2 were predicted months & months ago.) Since DEATH PANELS, Government takeover, & the rest of the Republican fairy tales, were all discredited long ago, NO ONE will believe or trust Republicans ever again. The AARP & AMA support is the final nail in the coffin of the Republican Party. However, these mammoths won't go quietly, to the elephant graveyard.Yes,they know that they've been defeated, but don't expect them to be waiving any white flags.There's no telling what bizarre strategy they'll come up with now, but we know IT'LL BE A DOOZY!
Yes. Now that he finally has what he
Past and present administrations and their congress have over seen VA health care and Medicare, now correct me if I am wrong. But aren't they both in the cesspool. Now this administration and congress wants to sell health insurance policies. Does any one out there believe they can control this extremely large tax expenditure, I have my doubts. I have no faith in congress, these people are liars, only interested in them selves. I look forward to my taxes hitting the roof.
Yes because the republicans are stuck on NO, and the democrats are wimps. How do you be the majority in everything and cant get anything done?
Yes Jack he should make Congress vote on this stupid bill so it can be defeated once and for all. Stop wasting time arguing about a bill that will put Americans even further in debt than we already are from a stimulus bill that DID NOT work. If Public Healthcare is so great then why do most Canadians come to America for their healthcare?
No Jack If Democrates dont vote for good health care refom they dont deserve to be in Congress. Republican dont deserve to be in congress because they listen to insurance and drug companies.
Jack:
No but, to rephrase and reorganize the thought, I think the elected swines (and swinettes) who go home and avoid doing the work of the people should not get paid by their employer....the taxpayer. And that is how I feel, Jack.
Obama shouldn't force anybody to pass or vote for his corrupt health care bill. It is no wonder that his approval ratings are dropping like a rock. Sorry Jack, you campaigned for incompetent candidate.
Jack,
It's called covering your tracks. If this healthcare reform turns into a nightmare, President Obama can always say, it was done the bipartisan way.
Yes. Now that he finally has what he's been waiting for,(endorsements from AARP & the AMA), & now that everyone knows how much they will be helped by this plan, everything can move forward. President Obama has uncannily good timing, as with his decision on Afghanistan.(Republicans want him to make a hasty decision, so they can criticize him sooner. By the way, what have those 3 elections got to do with the President? Only the ond in N.Y. was a surprise; the other 2 were predicted months & months ago.) Since the DEATH PANELS, Government takeover, & the rest of the Republican fairy tales, were all discredited long ago, NO ONE will believe, or trust Republicans ever again. The AARP & AMA support is the final nail in the coffin of the Republican Party. However, these mammoths won't go quietly to the elephant graveyard. Even though they know they've been defeated, don't expect them to be waiving any white flags. There's no telling what bizarre strategy they'll come up with now, but you can bet IT'LL BE A DOOZY!
Yes he should. I think we all know if it's not done now then it will never be done. The senators need to earn their salary and it's not that hard, vote yea or nay and get it over with. If it's not passing now then it's not passing next year.
Yes! Absolutely! That is exactly what President Obama should do. I am so damn sick and tired of listening to whining, snot-nosed punks like Eric Cantor and John Boehner hold up the works with their senseless arguments. President Obama should apply force until something either gives or breaks. The republicans are nothing but obstructionists, and two-bit prostitutes for the well-heeled. How do we get Democratic representation out of that state of affairs? The republicans are going to whore, because that is the side their bread is buttered on. Their sponsors say obstruct... they must obediently obstruct, or forego further campaign contributions. This isn't Democracy. It is a farce being perpetrated on the American people. The trouble is that so many of the backward, ignorant, rabble are easily manipulated thinking this is the way for them to gain access to "class" and "social status." Of course they are mistaken. The only way to ascend the social ladder is to become less ignorant, erudite, and better educated. It has to do with breeding and grooming. The republicans don't give a damn about them, but they will use them as they are doing. The time has come for President Obama to kick ass and take names.
Force them? He can't. Bad move even if he could.
The right move is to encourage the American voter to let their Congressperson and Senators know how they feel.
The best way is with a letter mailed first class.
Yes It would be nice if they would get something done But I will be one of those that will die before anything will get done .
Ron San Antonio, TX
Yes. Then keep them there until they pass energy legislation, Immigration reform, Financial reform, repeal DADT, and take care of all other pending legislation. In short, members of Congress should not get any days off until they actually get some work done. This would be a big win for the President. I doubt that any voters would be sympathetic to lawmakers whining about working to long.
Yes, he should keep them in Congress to vote. They seem to have a good chance of it passing, but do it NOW!!! No more waiting for the Republicans to help, because they will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER cooperate in this matter–or any other!!! They said their goal was to make sure this failed so that this would be Obama's Waterloo.
Get with it Democrats. Obama tried to be a good guy and "involve" the Republicans, but they will have no part of it. Remember what they did when they were in charge–passed EVERYTHING that George Bush wanted, and thumbed their nose at the Democrats. They didn't need them. Well, now, Repubs., the Dems. DON'T need you, so go back to doing nothing; your reason for now being known as the "party of NO."
Washington should knock it the hell off already. No more TAX and SPEND.. TERM LIMITS (vote on that Saturday) Campain Finance reform (add that to the Term Limit bill)
NO to HEALTH CARE REFORM!!!!!!!!!!
Bums. Just about all of them..
The BUMS should be thrown to the curb.
Yes, Yes, Yes, If we don't get the public option he will not get my vote again.
No i dont believe most people want expensive health care I can hardley pay our propert taxs I am retired and all obama can rthink of is to gave lay off people more money stop this waste start help people who havnt been help long after losing there jobs .Of course obama such a liar I cant believe the shape our cou ntry in
YES. Make each and every elected official justify their decision on this very important issue to the people that put them in office. Now that means the voters, not the Special Interest groups.
Aren't we supposed to be a Christian country? I clearly remember that during the 2004 convention, the GOp attached a cross to the speaker's platform.
Very well. What did Jesus do?
Jesus spent most of his time healing the sick. Never once did he ask about pre-existing conditions or health insurance. He also told the rich man to sell all he had and give to the poor.
If we were really a Christian nation, we'd already have universal health care. Congress must stop dragging its feet and pass health care reform. NOW.
I think it is time for him to take charge of his party. Tell Congress to stop acting like Republicans and consider the American people for a change. So called Blue Dog Democrats are nothing more than Republican wannabe's that have sold out their constituents for the all-mighty dollar.
I haven't heard any discussions on how corporations will react to a Gov. run option. Is there a chance that major corporations could further reduce their health plans to their employees or maybe eliminate this benefit all together. I have heard that many corporations to not believe it is their responsibility to provide this important benefit.
How would the President and Congress prevent this from happening?
Would love your comments as always.
Yes he should. Too many of the libs are giving him a free ride on this. He needs to be seen more clearly, along with the rest of the libs as shoving this down our throats, along with the stimulus package that did nothing but benefit the unions, ACORN and the non productive members of this society, while increasing the burden on those of us who actually work and pay taxes. Obama, one and done.
Yes Jack, if he can he should !! The probability is that it would fail in it's current format but the vote record would be there for future reference. Jack, there are so many examples of dysfunction and malicious prosecution by neglect of the lower echelon of your nation that the only thing left to say is that your national asylum continues it's downward trajectory!!
The motto NOW should simply be – God HELP The USA !!
Simple Solution. Obama should force the issue with a single law. All congressmen & women voting "NO" on healthcare reform should be exempted from the government run healthcare plan they enjoy. Whats fair for the nation is fair for Congress.
Jack:
YES he should do that until it passes.
Ron K. Temecula, Ca
Yes, then we can all move on to the next 50 crises facing us.
Yes. For those who think this is some new issue , well we've been talking about health care reform for years. By now it should be clear to anyone with a brain that our current system isn't working, it costs more than even the middle class can afford, and insurance companies seem to be the only ones doing well. If the cost of my insurance continues to rise and health care costs continue to increase, I may just go back to college and become a doctor. It will be alot cheaper! Time to get out the cattle prod and remind Congress that something has to change.
Obama has talks a nice game but actions seem to be limited. Thus far he has not cajoled the congress to really do something about anything. He seems to persist with the notion that things will work themselves out, if we are patient. His leadership on the health care bill is a travesty. I am starting to lose my faith in him on a variety of issues.
Harry
Carlisle.
Since the Senate is supposed to be comprised of adults working on behalf of the citizens it shouldn't be necessary for the President to issue them instructions in the same manner a kindergarten teacher would issue instructions to his or her class.
You can't force anybody to do anything if they don't want to do it, but I wish he could especially the republicans these guys are idiots especially Bonier I wonder how he became a congressman. He read the declaration of independence yesterday thinking it was the constitution. man know wonder we are in trouble and the last Bush thought he was doing everything constitutionally he wasn't the spying on U.S. people I think is unconstitutionally sound I don't care what justices thought I think they don't what constitution means either and that is sad.
If I was Obama, I would tell Congress that there will not be any more bills signed on his desk, until they pass some form of health care reform It needs to be done, and we can`t just wait for the next president to try to reform it again. It might take decades.
Jack, it's now of never. It's been more than 100yrs since the American government has tried for Health Care Reform. The insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to stop any meaningful reform because they don't want to kill their "cash cow". Now is the time for President Obama to pull out all the stops. The President needs to call out everyone who is for and against. President Obama should remind anyone who is against "true reform" what they stand to lose by not passing Health Care Reform. It's been estimated that the cost will double in 8 to 10 yrs. So if your paying $15,000 today, you can expect to pay over $30,000. BIGGIST LOSERS IN THIS, THE MIDDLE CLASS. Without "true reform" people will continue to lose their homes and go bankrupt if someone in the family develops a major illness. This is America. No one should have to lose their home because they got sick. Every Single Middle Class Person should contact their congressman and demand "true reform" with a government option.
Congress should remain is session both for health care and new jobs bills. So much attention is being diverted to health care that new jobs creation is ignored. Bernanke and Geithner are using unemployment as a tool to keep inflation down. If we can get the approximately 17 million people who would welcome full-time employment back to work, the economy would begin real growth.
I like the statement, it is blunt and to the point. This is exactly what we sent them to Washington to do. If they cannot get it done, give up their seats for someone that can. No more dragging on this issue. If we cannot get a public option to choose what we want, why are we being forced to fatten the Insurance companies by mandatory buying insurance? Why can't we all have what members of Congress have. I bet they will react favorably when thier families are involved.Let's call out these Rep. and Senators that are working for the Insurance companies. Enough is Enough. Stay at the Capitol until the work is complete.
Jack,he can, but he won't.This is his problem,he aways wants to be Mr.Niceguy, it's the very reason he gets no respect around the world,and manages to get nothing done on the homefront.For President Obama,it seems being liked is more important than being respected,he is Jimmy Carter all over again!
Absolutely...this debate has gone on long enough and we're sick of hearing about it. Look, the President has lost 6 months trying to get this through. We need to pass some reform, and continue to tweak it moving forward. Next a strategy needs to be made public and implemented for our two wars going on, we have to focus on that and get it right. Then we move towards energy and rebuilding this economy which go hand in hand.
The whole thing just boggles the mind. The republicans say they don't want a public option because the insurance companies cannot compete with the government. That alone should cause the normal person to think, "Wow, that must mean it will be cheaper for everyone." It ain't rocket science folks. Health care couldn't get screwed up any worse than it already is. I say let the government take it over and make the profit, not the blood-sucking insurance companies!
Yeah, yeah, and HELL YEAH!
Speaking of Hell, he should give Joe Lieberman directions while he's at it!
Obama is doing just fine. He's about to get a bill that has about 90% of what he wanted in it. It won't cover everybody, but just about. It will bring down the deficit over ten years - and more in the out years. It will strengthen medicare and add five years to the available trust - which is why AARP is backing it. It will make insurance actually be 'insurance' - if you get sick, they'll actually have to give you what you paid for. Lastly, it will eliminate about 50% of the bankruptcies filed each year - which is good for businesses. A public option, if at least 15% of the population use it, will bring down premium costs.
Jack,
Hell No!!
The longer they stay in DC the more $$ they spend.
Send them home
PLEASE!!!!!!!
No, this is a horrible bill and they need to take their time and work on real health care reform, not this robbing Peter to pay Paul. Considering the current plan wouldn't kick in for several more years anyway, what is the rush to push through a terrible plan? Oh yeah, 2010 is just around the corner and they know they will be out of power then.
This health care garbage will be another example in a long series of progressive failures. Go ahead and force the issue. I can't wait to see what the responsible fed-up public will do to these fools.
Yes.
Jack, that would require obama to actually make a decision instead of votiing 'present'. Not gonna happen.
NO! This mess is the President's own fault. He could have had a bill written and submitted it to Congress, putting himself on the line. But he played it cute and left himself an out and a way to avoid political criticism, after he wasn't responsible for what Congress has put together. Well, he doesn't get to say now that you're not doing what I want and stay in session until I say. Having placed the responsibility on Congress, he needs to let them decide how important this so-called crisis is.
And don't compare it to the Truman. That was a crisis that threatened to shut down the national economy. While the so-called health crisis is a hard situation for those affected by it, it is by no means a situation that shouldn't be resolved through careful consideration of alternatives and their costs. Failure to create a sustainable plan will result in the mortgaging of our children's future in much the same way that the hasty solution to the financial system melt-down has left a financial mess that may be decades before resolution.
Right now he ought to put healthcare on the back burner. We need the jobs that was promised to be the 1st on the agenda. We all need jobs and then lets work on healthcare.
I like that idea . However does Obama have the won tons to do this. He needs to put someone's diarere on the barbee to get health care reform passed.
Doubtful! The President's early involvement may have made such a move by him, now, productive. However, his hands-off approach so far would make an assertive move, now, seem aggressive and bullying. He messed this healthcare effort up a long time ago by staying out of its development all along. Organizer? Maybe. Leader? No way!
Well Jack at least you gave me a laugh with this one. Sure, I think he should arm lock every last one of them and give them no vacation time at all as they do not deserve it. That includes Senators as we the people are mad as can be with the nonsense. Take their healthcare away. Dock their salaries. And if only we could fire every last one of them for not being responsible.
Yes. There has been enough dilly-dallying and posturing.
We are the only democracy in the world that doesn't have some sort of national health care.
Those of us who are fortunate enought to have health insurance are paying for the cost of treating those who don't have it. Most hospitals don't turn away patients because of lack of insurance. They treat the uninsured, force them into bankruptcy and pass on the cost to patients who have insurance.
The insurance companies increase the premiums to cover the hospitals charges and tack on an additional thirty percent of the increased costs to cover their profit maragin.
Many of the so called "tea-bagger" carrying signs demanding that the government stay out of their lives are over sixty-five and on medicare.
They are almost as hypocritical as the Republican members of Congress.
Bob
Louisville, Ky
Ehhh, why not. Bush had his rubberstamp congress that he manipulated to get everything he wanted. At least this time it would be for something with socially redeeming value as opposed to costly, wasteful, illegal, unconstitutional GOP wars of agression.
HD in Phoenix, AZ
If Pres. Obama forces this vote, it will only prove what so many already believe, that he has an agenda for this country that will lead us to socialism.
And then, if his health care reform turns out to be a bloody mess, he and the Dems. will be the ones to blame.
Risky business, trying to play God.
Jack
It saddens me that our once highly regarded and respected neighbors to our south are being brought to their knees by partisan politics and a lack of civility between the American people.
40 of your Senators really don't care about insuring that every American is cared for in a fair and equatable manner. You have more guns on the street and in the home than the old wild wild west and they are being used on a daily basis to kill fellow citizens, often in mass. The NRA, clearly divided potitical parties and lobbyist in general are destroying your country.
The USA were once the beacon of hope and moral compass for other nations and we followed your lead. Now we watch cable news and just feel sorry for you. You finally have a leader with intelligence, forsight and compassion but unfortunately everyone seems to have their own agenda and could care less about the country. It's called being civilized people. Common, get back to your roots.
Jack
It saddens me that our once highly regarded and respected neighbors to our south are being brought to their knees by partisan politics and a lack of civility between each other.
40 of your Senators really don't seem to care about insuring that every American is cared for in a fair and equatable manner like every other democratic country in the world. You have more guns on the street and in the home than the days of the old wild wild west and they are being used on a daily basis to kill fellow citizens, often in mass. The NRA, clearly divided potitical parties and lobbyist in general are destroying your country.
The USA were once the beacon of hope and the moral compass for all other nations and we followed your lead. Now we watch cable news and just feel sorry for you. You finally have a leader with intelligence, forsight and compassion but unfortunately everyone seems to have their own agenda and could care less about the country. It's called being civilized people. Common, get back to your roots and lead. Get back to being a country for the people.
Sounds like a plan! Wish he would and talk just like you said it. Dems need to stop pandering to the Republicans who never do anything a Democrat wants. The approval ratings are down for him and Congress because they WON"T get this done!! Did you hear the comment by a member of the demonstration yesterday, Jack? She said No the healthcare reform: I'll take care of mine; you take care of yours. And the right wing says they are the ones of Christian values? What ever happened to scripture telling us to take care of the poor?? I am shaking my head.
I think I read on the Internet today that he told him they would not get a vacation until they voted, yes or no. GREAT! Maybe he can make them represent themselves...........or the people.......which would be a real change. All they want is "back in" so they will have good health insurance coverage.
That's a heck of a great idea, Jack. Democrats have been trying to play nice way too long with these guys. Time to show what happens when peaceful overtures are ridiculed and ignored.
Why is it up to 435 House Members, and 100 Senators? Most of these Congressmen and women don't do what there people in there districts or States ask them to do. They do only what the people of there own party or the people who gave them the most money want them to do. At these town hall meetings they send out a email to people who are registered members of their party or donated money to them, and then say this is what the people of the country want. Then why is it when people are polled the Majority want a public option. So here is my Question, Why can't we have a National Vote open to the public? Have a special Election in January/Feb. and let the people decide. If the people vote for or vote against then it is done, Conversation over,period, move on to the next subject.
Can someone at CNN try to point out exactly what the emergency is.
This monstrosity does't go into effect until 2013. Chill out Mr. President. If our troops in Afghanistan can wait for reinforcements while you make a decision, we can wait for a reasonable bill to come out of that swamp that is Congress.
Jack, the words you would put in President Obama's mouth are spot on! Keeping Congress in session until both houses pass–or reject–a health-care bill would place the onus squarely on members' shoulders–where it belongs. I suspect that, should the president issue such an ultimatum, both houses would act on the bill in short order–so that members could get home ASAP to begin raising obscene sums of money for their next campaigns.
Jean M. Carlick
Rockville, MD
Jack,
What a wonderful idea! I'm surprised this section of the Constitution hasn't been used more often. Let Aruba, the Florida beaches, or wherever else they go wait until they earn their keep!
Rick, Medina, OH
Yes Jack, he should. It's astoundingly pathetic how the Democrats can have complete, total and unchecked power, yet get absolutely nothing done outside of going on TV to whine about how Republicans are obstructionists when they can pass anything and everything without them.
At least George Bush had his unchecked congress in lock step with his agenda. Mr. Obama is more than capable of doing the same thing, he just has to man up and let these immature children know what time it is.
I say make them stay until it gets done. No weekend rests, no holidays, no nothing. President Obama said he was going to bring change? Well, he can start by having Congress do it's job...for a change.
Remember Jack, No Congressional support, means no health care and no health care means you're a candidate for diseases.
I have little doubt this is only one of the procedures initiated to lower the population of non-white consumers. The insanity of it all is that Obama has allowed himself to be the ruling classes errand boy after making promises to the voters to do the opposite.
It is also really likely that Obama is no different than any other politician who has been paid off and controlled. He just tricked his supporters that's all.
The melting pot has been whipped into a bowl of white cream and this so called democracy has no way to recover.
Jack–
Congress has a job, and they should do it for a change. It's about time the President got tough on the laggards and the nay-sayers. Let's have the vote and get it over with. And move on.
Jack i have two words to say to you and that is "thank" and "you" for saying that and here i thought i was the only one who thought so. He tried and tried again for so-called " bipartisanship" andhe needs to figure that he's nuts, bolts and screwed if "his" health care doesn't get passed just because Senator Reid is too chicken to vote this year, I'll give some credit to speaker peliosi by trying to get it past this week in the house although i think that a elementary school full of kindergardenars colud do a better job than them.
FORCE? No, he shouldn't force them to vote on this very bad bill. Should we force Obama to make a decision on Afghanistan? We need a real leader, now that the elections are over our Campaigner in chief needs to get down to the real work and start making the hard decisions instead of delegating. He needs to go back to school and take a few business courses to understand what we as small business owners need............and it isn't a loan, it's work, not more tax burden put upon us by the extended unemployment benefits, or more tax burden by forcing us to provide health care. No, those are business/job killers. We need to FORCE Obama to do the job he was hired to do and quit the constant blaming and making excuses.
Hey Jack,,
President Obama should come in and request the number of democrats in the House and Senate who support the Republican led rally yesterday which looked like an rally for aparthied in America funded by the health care Industry.
In the attempt to falsely represent democratic solutions as un-American, questioning the intentions of those who do not represent the profits of Insurance and drug corporations as Nazi sympathizers.
This is the shame of American politicians who will sacrifice the integrity of the United States government simply because they can't come through for the CEO's and exutive branches of these Corporations.
I believe we are witnessing the end of conservative politics at the federal level as this country as become entirely to diverse for the old cons to kill all poilicy that benefits the people instead of industry..
DrJ
Cincinnati
Jack, yes, he should tell them to deal with health care reform before they go on vacation break. By putting this ultimatum to Congress, he will be ending the foot dragging that has been taking place over an important issue and he will be seen as a person capable of making a decision, in short, a leader. He has given them more than sufficient time to make up their minds on health care. If he doesn't act now, the debate will be prolonged and it will only reflect negatively on him and the future of the Democratic Party getting the necessary vote support to stay in office.
NO! He is a president, not a dictator. We are supposed to have separation of the executive and the legislative branches. He can't force them to do anything. The House just started on a 2000 page bill that won't take effect until 2013 so what is the hurry? Is Obama afraid our citizens will learn what is in the bill? I don't think they should consider voting until next year.
I am afraid that something needs to be done. I believe that the GOP wants to stall healthcare for political reasons. If Congress, the Senate, and the House of Reps cannot get anything done on healthcare then heads will roll in the 2010 elections. There will be a new generation of lawmakers elected and all those who could not come together for the good of the American people will lose their jobs. Time is running out for all concerned and I hope that they can work together to make life better for all Americans.
The Constitution also provides other powers as well such as censure and impeachment of the President but that doesn't necessarily make it appropriate on a whim. A serious situation such as not passing a budget and the threat of having to shut down the government is an "extraordinary occasion". The healthcare fiasco hardly rises to that level. Making an unkept campaign promise does not constitute a national crisis or emergency. It would be an abuse of power to invoke Article 2 for so called healthcare reform.
This country needs JOBS JOBS JOBS! Fix the ECONOMY and to hell with healthcare reform that wouldn't even be implemented until 2014!
Yes, he should force them to vote on the Health bill. There are people dying every day in our country because they can not afford medical attention. Why should the members of the Senate and House of Representatives not take a stand? They know that they personally have a top insurance plan by working for the Federal Government, so it does not bother them to not take a stand for the American people. Maybe if they had to suspend their health benefits until they voted, they would be more willing to vote and do what is right.
I think he should take their cushy health insurance away from them...that might get a vote. Let them see how the other half lives.
Keeping Congress there misses the point – The American people are simply not on board with the Democrats plan, Yes, the public wants to "fix" health care but the Dems have lost focus. The "fix" people want is lower costs and stability (not out of luck if you loose your job) The whole push for "Gov Option" does still come across as a first step to single payer – lets face it, that is what the Dem leadership wants – but America does not and they are not being fooled. They want lower cost and the Dems have again missed the point. and the inflated cost, no matter what smoke and mirrors are used to get under 900 billion, is not what folks are looking for. Get costs down, then we can look at extending coverage for others. The public want the focus on jobs and the debt – not health care, energy or imigration at this point.
The President should not be able to FORCE Congress to do anything.
Mark in OKC
Congress should stay in session until the bill is voted up or down or until Christmas or until hell freezes over. Obama does seem to be a nice guy and they say "nice guys finish last".
MR. CAFFERTY, SIR – YOU SHOULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT.
That is a outstanding idea. Maybe he will take notice to his authority now that you have put it out there to be noticed by millions. Thank you for doing your part. God Bless The United States of America!!!
Yes, I agree with President Obama holding congress accountable until the job is done. There are other issues that must be addressed as well (unemployment, education, etc.).
It might be a demotion for you to become a speech writer for Obama, but I'd sure enjoy it!
Our biggest problem is that the American public doesn't know what to do to make anything happen anymore. I keep hoping we'll someday have term limits in both houses....fairly short ones, so that people who are motivated only by public service (yeah, right) might get in and get some actual work done in, say, eight years. As it is, the self-serving greed and rampant egotism of the legislative gravy train wreck is what's really running this county.
yes. it's time to make a decision one way or another.
Yes, Pres. O'Bama should make Congress sit there and pass the health care reform bill with public option before they take any vacation!
Our government should look like British Parliament – they're all in their seats every day. Time for Congress to earn some of its egregious salary and benefits!
Absolutely Jack. Keep Congress in session and make them vote on the health care bill. People are suffering and dying every day that Congress sits on its hands. President Obama has the Constitutional power and he needs to use it!
Not only health care but its been years since congress passed a budget on time. They keep starting the FY with continuing resolution after CR. Id like to see them held in DC until that is done..Maybe they will start doing it before they go on summer recess...
ofcourse he should! it's time for him to get off his butt and use the democratic weight available to him and GET THE JOB DONE NOW!
Absolutely he should.They have been putzing around enough and haven't agreed on anything.Both sides have not worked together very well.Obama has been very patient!!
Some want it passed , some don't think we need health care reform and others think the bill needs to be revised and changed to fit how they want it.
Bottom line is that our country NEEDS health care reform.And while the U.S is listed as #37 in the world in health care the fact remains that America NEEDS health care reform and we need it NOW!!!
Yes he should order them to stay until a vote has been reached. Unfortunately, cancer, heart disease, and other life threatening illnesses will not wait to be treated while Congress is enjoying their vacations. Make Congress do the job that the people who chose to stand in line and vote, instead of taking a vacation, elected them to do!
Damn right he should keep them in session I don't think congress should get a break at all they were elected by us to get a job done which isn't just healthcare they need to finish there work first you don't go on break if there is work to be done they can break when there jobs are done I don't get to take a break if I have a big project or job to finish and neither should they I look at the work ethic of our congessman and women to be lack luster and a bad example to the rest of america if they didn't want to do the work they shouldn't have ran for office
It's time for President Obama to take the gloves off!
Last year we were at the point where we could hope for a bi-partisan revolution to help remake and remedy many of the problems of America. Sadly, the far right / conservative segments of the electorate have sought to obstruct any constructive changes, at the great cost of the rest of America.
Obama has the power to make change happen. It is time for him to begin to wield that power – in either a partisan or bi-partisan manner – but do it now. I'm ready for it to happen today and will go and stand on the Washington Mall in support of his program to force Congress to act.
JLE
Seminole, FL
By Jove! Finally someone with guts. So, when are you running for office? I am so disgusted and disappointed, that I became an Independent. I am tired of flowery speeches. Put your money where your mouth is, Mr President, and show some gumption. Passing the buck to your staff is not acceptable. Jack, you are my man . Are you available??
Health care insurers have held us hostage for years. Give congress a little taste of what it feels like to be truely powerless. Keep them until they do their jobs.
Amen, Brother Cafferty!!!
I completely respect our President for his thoughtful integrity, but one man alone cannot change the status quo in Washington. So I think he has been more than accommodating to the Republicans, who are blatantly determined to not be bi-partisan. Congress as a whole is completely disfunctional, bickering like children, collecting their paychecks and leaving the People's business woefully undone, time after time, issue after issue. When we we be governed by people elected by the people to represent THE PEOPLE, NOT THE CORPORATIONS, INDUSTRIES, THE RICH,ETC.?!
YES!! Most definitely President Obama must keep the Congress in session until they come together FINALLY to pass health care reform that will actually HELP all Americans. We are so sick and tired of the bickering and frankly, the obstructionist tactics of the Republicans to delay or stop entirely the passage of any worthwhilebill.
While this back and forth goes on, many Americans are going without coverage or paying dearly for it. Enough is enough!!!
Congress should be working for its American citizens but when has that ever happenned. If Congress needed to depend on its citizens to pass health care for Congress, you can bet we would have to forfiet our vacations to make sure a bill was passed for them.
I think that it's time that both the administration and congress get off dead center with or without the party of NO. Healthcare reform is too important and the window for approving some change will be closing unless those in charge in the senate get off the fence and make up their minds, Congress, both House and Senate need to move and approve what the majority of the American people elected them for. Obama should hold them to the fire and quit treating congress with kid gloves. The gloves should come off.
ABSOLUTELY! I am so sick of the division and the bickering. If we behaved like these supposed to be professional adults, we would all be unemployed. I am sick and tired of the Congress and the Senate playing with our livelihood.
Barack it is now time to GET TOUGH! WE NEED HEALTH REFORM! NOTHING WILL GET DONE UNLESS YOU MAKE THEM DO IT.
Bravo to you Jack now if you can get President Obama to step up to the plate on health care reform. The President needs to be more involved and twist arms. I think if all the lobbyists got sent out of town incommunicado for a few months it would speed up the process. First we need to list the senators and House members that recieved fat contributions from health insurance companies and show that they are bought off and no longer interested in the peoples business. President Obama I voted for you and support you..get it done now
I agree. It is high time that Congress stay in session until they get the healthcare, and financial legislation finished.
If President Obama has to order Congress to stay in session, then they can miss their trips home until they get these issues resolved one way or another.
In addition, I say the president suspend congress's health care until they do vote, better still fix the broken over paid under controlled health care system / wealthy insurance companies !!!
I can't think of a better way for President Obama to show the American people that he is serious about our health care reform than to force both Houses to stay and do their elected duties.
Yes he should keep them there till they grow old and grey,or till they get it done ,which ever comes first.
Yes it's time for him to take charge. Congress has never done anything alone. Forget bipartisan. Republicans will not help him.
Absolutely!!! Obama dragging his heals on such an important issue is making him weak. Healthcare reform is one of the reasons why I crossed party lines and voted Democrat. It's time to put your fist down and make something happen.
yes. it is about time the president makes good on his promise to reform health care. he should make congress stay in session until they vote up or down this
It would be very refreshing to have a President that does follow and honor the Constitution!
I definitely think President Obama should make the Houses stay and work on the health care reform of this nation. If he doesn't then he shows me that he is a weak president.
Jack , You just hit the nail on the head. I wish President Obama is listening to the commentaries on your blog. If he has the power to do just as you have quoted from the US constitution, he should go ahead and exercise that power IF he is truly convinced that Health care reform is worth the effort.
Houston Texas
I do think the persident should force the sentate and House to stay in session until Health care is complete and other things are taken care of as well. They seem not to be getting anything major done.
yes yes yes. it is about time he does something.
I agree with you Jack! Pres. Obama has been too nice when he should be getting tough. It is taking way to long to get this health care bill done. The Republicans want to stall it in hopes to kill the bill. They have no bill and don't want the Democrats to succeed. So, Pres. Obama should at least keep them in session until a vote has been done in the Senate and the House. Harry Reid needs to push harder also instead of delaying the vote. Joe Liebermann should move to Siberia!!!
President Barack Obama should force the congress to vote on this bill before the end of this month. (Keep them locked up) He has the authority to do so. We the people voted for President Obama and it was a promise to the American Public.
Obama must force both Houses to stay until this vital issue is decided!
Yes! Wouldn't that be a great moment in regards to the "for the people" part of the government?
YES!!! he should force them to do their jobs. It appears that our reps are not listening to the people they represent. I'm sure that IF getting their "Golden Parachute" retirement package AND the ability to lobby Congress after they are out of office was at risk and the due to "poor job performance", they'd be jumping on this as if their life depended on it. Oh..but wait...they already have the best health-care OUR MONEY can buy....FOR LIFE. Why would they care?
Absolutely. The need for healthcare reform is a no brianer. Most of us want it – many of us even support the public option. I don't think our representatives NEED more time; they just WANT more time to avoid alienating the special inerest groups who contribute large sums of money to their campaign. They should worry more about the majority of voters. Getting paid for doing nothing may sound good but it won't get them re-elected. President Obama needs to get tough – Mr Nice Guy isn't working.
You are so right!! Our President need to speak up now and show some backbone.
I vigorously disagree with the idea that the President should "force" the Congress to pass health legislation or else. But the suggestion is certainly in tune with the White House view on many subjects: if some American is doing something he shouldn't, force him to stop; if some American is not doing something he should, force him to do it. It's a fascist staple.
Alexandria VA
If the constitution allow him to do so he should use his constitutional power but we the people we need to know how this legistlation will affect all of us: rich,poor...those who are covered those who are not...how it will be profitable or not to us.Believe or not,if those in congress oppose him while we sent them to represent us they need to stay untill tehir mission is over,no hollydays for them!
Donnis
Charlotte,NC
Enough is enough and we already know how the two parties think. Republicans are doing their job delaying anything that the president proposes but what about the democrats? Are they too? Democrats in the House and the Senate should consider that the american people elected president Obama looking for changes. It is time to act and the president should demand from them to do their job.
Lilia Abril
Florida
Exactly! Either get it ON or move on.
Keeping everything else in a holding pattern while we are subjected to daily chest pounding by one side or another has ceased to be effective and is less than amusing!
Look in your pocket Mr President.we not only gave you the toolbox, we also gave you the KEY to the toolbox......use it!!
Excellent question Jack. I agree with you this has gone far enough. I voted for President Obama he should use any and all authority he has at his disposal. The American people deserve better than what we have been seeing in the recent months And one other thing please ask Wolfe to ask this question at his round table discussion in the Situation Room and John King on the State of the Union Sunday show
YES ..YES...YES Make them earn there keep. Chuck Rutty Oak Hill,Florida
President Obama require Congress to stay until they vote on health care reform? HAH! This is the guy who already has failed to deliver on the most urgent crisis facing the American middle class, e.g., Wall Street Corporations that have caused the highest unemployment, the most homes lost to foreclosure, and the most losses to retirement incomes since the Great Depression, using their despicable de-regulated scams that the President's men, Summers and Geithner, had as much to do with as any other greed mongering culprit. This Presidency is beginning to look like the smoothest bait and switch "reform" scheme ever foisted on an American middle class that is going economically down the tubes!
Yes Obama should keep them in session because they aren't doing it alone. I hate you, can I be your protégé I think we would both benefit from this
jack, i hope you will read that suggested speech of yours again, in case the president doesnt have DVR to be able to replay and write it down, it is exactly what needs to be done!
Obama needs to listen to Jack, and the millions of people that put him in office! It wasn't the wishy washy, faint of heart that elected him to office. It was us. The people watching the opportunities for a simple decent life be gobbled up by a greedy corporate America. With the health care INDUSTRY in the lead.
Obama, enough all ready!
Right on! Right on! Right on! This is a perfect opportunity for congress to feel what it is like working the holidays like so many millions of Americans. Americans making it only paycheck to paycheck and heavens forbid if something ever happens to throw a wrench in it. Like a broken arm, abcess tooth, medication refills, come on people lets get with the holiday sprit and bring health care to millions who need it. What a true gift that would be.
I agree Congress should be forced to remain in session until Health Care Reform has been resolved. It is about time our elected officials started representing their constituents and doing what they were elected to do.
Yes, if he does not stand up and have a back bone he and the democratic party will severly loose in 2010. Mark my word.
Yes, I am sick and tired of OUR elected representative playing games in Washington and not doing the JOB we elected them to do. It is about time they do the task they were elected to do instead of enjoying all the perks and benefits. These positions were meant to be part time positions and not full time careers. Instead, what they have created is full time career paychecks for part-time work but life time benefits and forget about your constituents once the elections are over. Whatever happened to voting with a conscious and the way the people of your state would want you to vote. Instead, our representatives put things off, play their political games, enjoy their expensive lifestyles, while individuals who elected them are struggling at home, hoping to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. Health care costs are so out of control that even when you can afford to have insurance, you still pray you don't need to use it because the co-pays will kill you. There needs to be something done. Let's not make things worse by increasing costs, but let's actually help the voters who put these representatives in office before they sit down at their BIG Thanksgiving meal. They can walk away from their tables 'fat & happy' while so many others will just be glad to have a regular meal of just enough to satisfy. You're darn right they should have to stay in session until they do their job; that's what they were elected for – anyone else in America would be fired for poor work habits!
Prattville, Alabama
They're acting like children, so treat them like children. Make them stay after "school" till they get their work done!
Jack,
Regarding the health care bill:
Obama talks a good game, but it's long past time for him to actually lead the offense. I feel like I'm watching the big game while the quarterback keeps taking the snap and just standing there. It's time for him to take the lead and run the offense to the goal line!! He needs to tell Congress to move the ball forward or get off the field. They've used their last "time out".
Regarding Iraq and Afganistan:
I'd love to see him complete a Hair Mary in the end zone, but it seems more like he can't decide whether to run the ball up the middle or drop back ten and punt. The clock is running but he's still in the huddle. Throw the big pass, or bring the troops home.
The President is our leader. He was my number one draft pick, but at this point I'm wondering whether he can do the job the way he said he would. Talk is cheap...we want a decision already!!
J L Brown
Chesapeake, VA
Jack, I am a Canadian, you know the country with zero medical uninsured, zero medical bankruptcies, and zero citizens that would trade our health care system for yours. Obama should just step down right now, write another book, spend time with his family, and not waste another minute on a country that is going nowhere quick. you guys are a mess!
Jack, We who fully supported the President are sick and tired of the "nice guy" routine. It may be his character but unless he and the Democrats plan on losing political power in 2010, it is time to take the gloves off. We the people have lost so much faith in our political system, that we don't bother to show up at elections anymore. What's the point? Nothing really changes. If Obama and the Senate want to restore our faith in American Democracy, he needs to take extraordinary measures in these extraordinary times.
Yes, Mr. Obama should keep Congress in session until Health Care Reform has been taken care of it.
Yes, he has a lot in his plate as you mentioned but this Health Care situation has become totally ridiculous. Please, in the largest and most developed economy and we have millions of uninsured people? Where a woman pays more for medical insurance or a pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition?
Mr. Obama, tell those clowns in Congress to get done and to get it done NOW.
Thank you.
Absolutely! You put it well – he should use your speech and you should be his speechwriter on this topic. No vacation until this Congress passes Health Care and the people's work is done. If the Democratic Party can't deliver on this important legislation, does anything else matter?
Hell No! There are much more pressing issues such as the war in Afghanistan, unemployment, etc. Obama shouldn't force congress to do anything. Where are the jobs should be a more important question to Obama. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and who cares about his Health Care Plan. I, for one, am happy with my current insurance and don't want to be forced into a government run option.
If you ask me, Obama has his priorities mixed up.
Bruce
PA
Jack,
Health care reform has never been a bipartisan effort, and President Obama has not made any efforts to make it such. This could have been an opportunity to bring positive change to the health care system that both parties could agree upon, but what it has resulted in is more division and tension within the country. The Democrats continue to push for their own agenda, disengaging Republicans from the debate. The gubernatorial race was a reflection of the negative sentiment felt by many, and the future midterm election will be a further repudiation of Obama's policies.
Jack
Chicago, IL
Yes, I'm ready for the president to take stronger action on moving forward with the health issue. President Obama has worked harder than any politician I've ever seen. Both Congress and the Senate need to keep up with him. They have had it easy too long. The health issue has been an issue for the past 40 years. Let's stop tabling it and do something to help those who really need help.
JG
Jack,
In a 1,990 page bill, there must be numerous chances for mistakes, corruption, mismanagement, and eventual unintended consequences. Furthermore, such sweeping changes give the government unlimited power, and we all know what power does. Do we need any more corruption? That means we'll get free healthcare in the concentration camp, right? Say "No" to Obamao.
A Patriot in Omaha
Why not? I've thought for a while now that the President needs to channel LBJ and FDR and do anything and everything to push his agenda through. Attempts at bipartisanship have been repeatedly attempted by President Obama and repeatedly thwarted by the Party of NO. Forget about it.
A more challenging problem is the recalcitrant, corporate-owned Blue Dog Dems that have forgotten what the Democratic Party Platform is.
In the end, he might as well use the Article to force a vote; the
right-wing pundits and talk show hosts will skewer him either way.
Yes, Congress always needs a prod to move faster than a snail. It would be easier if there were only one critical issue to distract in Congress.
Yes it is time that our President got his hands dirty.
Yes, your right Jack. They should be forced to stay until, Health care reform is passed and it should be passed with the option. Some in Congress are not is a hurry to solve this because they have great health care paid by us.
In addition to the comment I just left, with respect to my objections to the way President Obama is handling the health-care issue, I think that he should also be spending more time resolving the war in Afghanistan and the presence in Iraq. We have too many economic problems such as skyrocketing unemployment, people losing their homes and being forced on welfare, and major businesses sinking faster that we can bail them out to be stubbornly single-mindedly focused on a health-care package that virtually no one wants. I am a journeyman roofer whom has not worked for 3 years, and I need a job: if I were working, I could afford my own health-care insurance. Put people back to work and solve our other problems and then let's talk health-care.
Yes. President Obama should in a matter of fact ask congress to stay behind until they vote on health care reform .
Very well said Jack.
I'm sure most Canadians, like me, wish the United States would get a favorable vote on the President's proposed health care plan because we know how important it is to have a good health care coverage with our government. Whenever we must travel out of the Province, we must buy insurance and the cost is high and it only pays over and above what our government plan covers as a base. Let's hope the President follows your suggestion. Good work Jack, as usual.
Fern Archibald,
Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
Jack,
Unfortunately, the President ordering Congress to do the job they were elected to do, although well intentioned, would probably have little effect in the end.
I wish I had the answer to the next point I am going to raise, but I think the difficulty in passing legislation on health care reform is no different than any other major debate the two parties legislate. It bacially comes down to an inablity of the two parties to routinely comprimise because partly of each parties ideology has little common ground to begin with, but more so because each party is aware that legislation that is passed by the party in power will be used by each congressman as evidence of what they have accomplished during the next election and therefore leads to the ultimate problem.
Instead of doing what is right for the people, people in power ultimately want to retain that power, and therefore hesitate to seek middle ground afor the common good as long as that compromise could keep them or their party from staying or getting into office.
Yes!! He needs to finally exert true leadership to get this done otherwise he will lose many if us Independents. Contrary to common wisdom most Independents are liberal progressives and NOT CONSERVATIVES other than believing in balancing the checkbook.
Hey, didn't both he and Sen Lieberman say they strongly supported a Public Option while they each ran for president?
Where are they now?
Peter
I am sure the American public is sick of this bickering about health care reform and it is evident those who are opposed to health reform will continue to keep the circus going. But if President Obama forces congress to vote on this, he will be deemed a dictator. If he allows this to go on he is considered weak. He is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. So I say do it and help those who are suffering right now without healthcare and the blessings he gets from this is worth it in the long run.
I think those in both houses should get off their butt and do the job they were elected to do instead of holding their "Tea Partys" and trying to keep the general public in a mass of confusion. It's not the health care package they are against as much as defeating everything Pres. Obama tries to do....
He sure should. But will he risk losing his nice guy status? Methinks not. If Congress does in fact have to work "overtime" which will make them cranky, for the luvva Pete, don't give 'em overtime pay. They get enough already.
The carrot hasn't worked, time to bring out the stick. YES!
How long will the country have to wait until we find out if the Republicans will release their willing hostages – the Democrats? If the Democrats really did win majorities in the House and the Senate, and the Presidency, then why are they allowing the Republican to dictate outcomes? Bi-partisanship is an excellent concept, but probably hasn't been seen since the '40s. What we have today is not bi-partisanship. It's surrender to the vanquished. Republicans are playing the 'stall at every opportunity' tactic until the mid-term elections in 2010, especially since they now feel emboldened by a couple of election victories earlier this week. If the Democrats don't take control of our destiny, we know what the Republicans have in store – more of the same (the party of 'no.' teabagers, town meeting circuses, and alas, resurrection of Dubya's policies and practices. Why were the Democrats elected? To maintain the status quo? They why are they trying so hard to do so? Now that the Republican Party seems to be self-destructing, why are the Democrats following in their footsteps and taking notes? If there is no difference between the two parties except rhetoric, kind of makes you wonder why we have elections at all.
It is a sad state of affairs when the United States of America is the only industrialized nation without a national health care system. You better believe that if it were the senator's or congressmen's families dying because of lack of national health care, they would get something done YESTERDAY!
With 10.2% unemployment, if Congress can't do the job, they shouldn't have the job.
Please yes. I'm am so sick of this debate. Just do it and get it over with.
Hi Jack,
Thank you very much for your patriotic advice to President Obama to invoke "Article 2, Section 3" of the Constitution,... in the healthcare debate...and get Congress to do the "PEOPLES' JOB".
I sincerely do agree with a lot of your listeners that, if this Powerful Congress were to be stripped of their medical benefits,[ which incidentally happen to be paid for, by tax-payers money], or pay 100% out of their pockets, then it would be a very different game-ball.
The President ought to rise above partisan politics and do the right thing and the kind of job and "CHANGE" he so much promised the American People.
Frederick.
Mesa, AZ.
your right Jack, and if that doesn't work take it one step further,let the people vote on it . I know that this will not work eather because that would take jobs away from the people we voted into office. Butt I for one am tired of individuals who's only interest is serving themselves and BIG BUSNESS.
They should have to stay and commit to a vote on health care! Let's take away thier insurance plans we pay for. They can get their own, one way to save money for those who do not have health care since they will not come to some agreement on health care.
Yes, and it is time for those in Congress who were elected as Democrats to vote as Democrats. Did they first run for office simply to try and spend the rest of their life's chasing votes to stay in office? Or did they run for office because they wanted to make a difference? If the later this is the time to do it.
No other person in the work force can report for work and not do their job and continue to be paid. These shiftless human beings (and I use this term loosely) haven't done the job they were elected to do. Democrats and Republican alike. . Make them stay on the job until they at least vote to pass or reject a Health Care Reform Bill. I am retired from Federal Civil Service and Iunderstand there will be no raise in annunity this year but I was just notified that my Heath Insurance is going up over $40.00 per month.
Congress should be held to the same or higher standard as the rest of us-you have a deadline, you work nights, weekends, forego vacations, whatever it takes to get the job done. It's time Obama stood up like any boss AND DEMAND CONGRESS DO THEIR JOB!
I believe president Obama should take it to the next level all together and sign an executive order, making the health care bill law. Senators and congressmen alike are waisting the American people time as well as patience.
From: Tallhassee, FL
If the president has the constitutional backing to convene the House and Senate, by all means, he should flex his muscles. He and the congress need to resolve this issue so that we can move on and focus on other equally important issues. By the way, I support health care reform.
Jack we the people, at least this people, is so tired of our leaders to fail to lead the people with wisdom and protection from modern day curruption,inflated greed and waistful spending, yes you are 100 percent right i agree with you, force the congress to do something, we the people are tired of our leaders looking after there on beleifs and agendas, it is we the people, not we the rich , and opress the american people , we are sick of our leaders that are not held accountable for every form of greed and corruption, theyconnitte, how are they above the law! i am ashamed of our leaders, and they couldnt govern there way out of a wet paper bag. I worry about the children and my grand childrens futer generations, these guys and our government is just to far gone and theres no getting it back ,without a revaloution i fear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a once proud american! May God have mercy on there souls, they have no idea about we the people! keep up the good work jack! peace! i hope!
Hi Jack
Lst Time I Checked The President Was And Is, The Commander In Chief Of This Great United States Of Ours & From What I Know Of The Law He Has The Ability To Order That The Senate & Congress Work With NO Holidays, No Vacations And To Be Done & NOW. However He & The Congress & Senate ALL Work For The People Not Themselves!
They The Congress & Senate Should Work On The Peoples Issues (After All Are'nt We The The People The Bosses) Including – Health Care, Jobs, New Jobs i.e. Bio-Fuels, Solar Power, Wind Power! Water Desalinazation Plants & Much Much More! With ABSOLUELY NO Vacations Or Holidays Until It's Done Period! They Already Get The Best Health Care & Salaries On The Planet! I Know Of No Other Company Where The Employees Get Better Benefits Than The Owners! This Country Is Still Owned By The PEOPLE Not Congress Or The Senate! We All Know That The Opposite Of Pro Is Con – So It Stands To Reason The Opposite Of Progress Is Congress!!! But That's Just My Opionion! A Lot Of The Mess We're In Goes To Large Banks 33+% Interest On Credit Cards???, Wallstreet & Large Corporations For Out Sourcing Jobs From The United States, To Foriegn Countries. Corporations Working Folks Just Below 40 Hours A Week So No Overtime – NO BENFITS & Then Pushing Them Onto Walefare Systems, That Are Already Stressed By Ligitimately Disabled People. Car Companies Building Sub Standard MPG Miles Per Gallon Cars, When The Technology Was Always Available. I Could Go On & On But That Neither Fixes The Issues Or Offers A Fix To The Problems.
Jack,
Yes, the President should keep Congress in session until they deal with the health care issue. A up or down vote should be gotten before they take in break. These are not school kids (at least they should not be) who get long holidays, if fact they should at max only get two weeks vacation off during non election years, then 4 weeks during years they are up for election.
I agree with you wholeheartedly! We are in a crisis on many fronts – jobs, healthcare, housing, for a few, so getting the Congress to stay focused would be an asset to the country.
Jack!
You wrote the President's speech for him.....send it to him!
immigration reform third on my list after health-care and employment. one way of reform is for the government to go after business and contractors who use illegal immigrants to under-bid union contractors take food and jobs away from Americans who are required to pay taxes. Its not good nor is it always safe. for instance i was on a job and this contractor brings in his crew not a one spoke any english they had to have a enterpertor. what happens if there is an emergency we can' t communicate they can 't communicate. This is not an isolated occurance. Its all over California and Im pretty sure it's in a state near you. Crack down on the illegal workers and you'll open up jobs for Americans
Absolutely yes! If Barack Obama has a fault it's simply that he tries too hard to be bipartisan and "nice". It's time for him to crack down and put an end to the foot dragging on health care that's being done deliberately in order to defeat reform. He must demand both the House and Senate remain in session until the health care reform bil is debated and passed. And he must demand a Public Option be part of that bill . . . otherwise the bill will be nothing but a fiscal gift to the corrupt health insurance racketeers! American citizens deserve and demand better than this. It's time for our President to force the issue, using the "nuclear option" if necessary.
Yes... Congress does not know how to make a decision. They are too busy fighting among themselves. All the old 60, 70. 80, 90 year old republicans/democats need to be voted out of office now.
I just got call from insurance company that told me to go to India for elective surgery because it is less expensive and is better then in US. So it looks like we all will be going to India for afordable and better health care.
I agree with you. It is time for President Obama to force Congress to act. Congress reminds me of "Puppets on a String" being manipulated by the Insurance Industry. Congress is only interested
in one thing. Protecting their jobs.
Ken
Listen up folks, this whole thing about Health Care reform is a joke. It's about the Gov't controlling our lives from birth to death. If the SOB's in the Capital really wanted HC reform, then why don't they want tort reform and allow insurance companies to do business across state lines? BHO voted against this when the Repubics tried to get a bill in the Senate. Why was Barry against this, you have to ask yourselves. He and the Dems want to control your life, period.
Mark
Yes-Yes -Yes keep them there as long as it take to do the job they are there to do and quit their holding their "Tea Partys" to confuse the general pubic............
Hi Jack - No point offering a glib response because this is very serious. There will be thousands and thousands of citizens gathering this Thanksgiving feeling severe hardship due to loss of jobs, lack of health care coverage, etc. So grim is the situation that many won't be able to travel to gather with family or even afford a modest meal of Thanksgiving. That being said, I will not lose one second of sleep if members of Congress had to remain in DC to DO THEIR JOBS. They are lucky to have one! The foot-dragging is unforgivable...and they should be utterly ashamed of themselves.
Yes, he should take his size 16 shoe and kick their butts and exercise his executive powers and make Congress stay over the holidays.
If passed the benefits of this health bill are not to begin for four more years so what is the rush. Article II Section 3 is to be called upon for “extraordinary Occasions,” the only thing extraordinary here is the lengths politically bias journalist are willing to go to help the President achieve his agenda.
Yes! President Obama should, definitely use any and all authorities he has at his command to fprce congress to stay in session until some kind f Health Care Reform billl is passed . . and by both houses!
WE, the people of the USA have too long taken 'a second place to 'vacations' and what not in 'our' Congress! We elected Obama bbecause we believed he could and would 'get things done'!
Now, his promise are being 'undone', not by him, but by his own party aand its thorougly 'lobbied' member in Congress.
In short...come on Congress – -Get the lead out!
Jim -Wisconsin
off course Obama should force congress to vote on health care reform. it seems to me that we all agree something needs to be done about health care coverage in America and it's obvious republicans are using delaying tactics so that a reform of the system is not credited to the democrats! .....ALSO ON THE ECONOMY...I DON'T SEE HOW VOTERS WOULD NOW VOTE FOR REPUBLICANS BECAUSE THE ECONOMY IS BAD...WELL, WE REALLY HAVE SHORT MEMORY...HAVE WE JUST GOTTEN RID OF A REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IN CONGRESS AND A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT?...voters flip flop going on here?
YES definitely. I think Obama should keep Congress/ Senate in session to get the job done on health care and many other issues. This country has many serious problems and we need some action.
We sent our congressman and senators to Washington to do a job so let DO it. I agree with a previous blogger who said "let's take their health care away." Maybe then they will come up with a reasonable solution for ALL Americans.
healthcare is a must...we can argue over the positive and negative aspects for years to come...the outcome,however will remain the same, back to square one or the drawing board. i say let's get the ball rolling and make the adjustments or change its course as the needs dictate. as for congress working through the holidays, very simple solution, if you don't want to work through this crisis take a hike and join the unemployed...their are lines of good folks awaiting to change places with you. mike lucas,baltimore city
In answer to your question stating: "Should President Obama keep Congress in session and force them to vote on health care reform?".
Yes, he should enforce his hand to keep Congress in session and force them to vote on the health care reform bill.
Yes he should. It seems that most of Congress has gotten too comfortable in their positions & have forgotten WHO THEY ARE WORKING FOR.
Jack, Absolutely yes!!! I voted for President Obama and I am disappointed that he has not acted. Your idea that he is being too nice is right on the mark! What else can it be? I want a president that is unlike any before him. He promised to make changes not just mull over ideas endlessly. Let's stop the bull! He has a much better chance of getting support from both sides if he would take a stand. President Obama is starting to look a little like every other elected official. I hope I am wrong!
Dora Finamore
Jack,
You read a post from someone named Rick who made the comment that "poor people get their health care for free" I don't know what planet Rick is on, but unless you are a child or the parent of a child, you don't get free health care. As a widow who became diabled, I know this very well. You can go to the ER, but we both know who ends up paying for that. Rick needs to do a little research before he talks about things he doesn't understand.
Absolutely! As you stated, this has gone on long enough. First the senate delayed votes leaving room for the town hall mess in August, 2009. Now they have delayed once again. The house, although Pelosi seems to be more focused and determined, has delayed its vote. No one seems to want to vote! It's like you state, Obama is too nice sometimes. He needs to be the leader, which requires to make tough choices. Make your decision, live with it and move on. I do not want this to drag on to next year. They need to vote; if it fails then those who voted against it should have to live with their decisions. But I am tired of waiting, and waiting and waiting. win or fail, vote and move on!