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
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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.