From the office of Rep. Roy Blunt, Chairman of the Health Care Solutions Group:
Americans are looking for commonsense health care reforms that will bring down costs, expand coverage, and allow those who like their current doctors and coverage keep them. Republicans put forward a plan last week that would do exactly that, laying out a blueprint that could guide the way toward the bipartisan reforms American people want – and can afford.
Unfortunately, Democrats have something very different in mind.
“The massive health care draft released by House Democratic chairmen Friday gave liberals new reason to hope that a dramatic overhaul could still emerge this year — and Republican critics a big new target to shoot at.” (Steven T. Dennis, “House Health Care Package Plays to Liberals’ Demands,” Roll Call, June 22, 2009)
It seems Democrats are pressing ahead with their plan to orchestrate a government takeover of Americans’ health care – even though Members of their own party have serious doubts.
“Feinstein also said she doesn’t believe President Barack Obama has enough support in the Senate to clear a bill, saying: ‘To be candid with you, I don’t know that he has the votes right now. I think there’s a lot of concern in the Democratic caucus.’” (David M. Drucker, “Senators Sound Warning Bells Over Health Care Reform,” Roll Call, June 21, 2009)
Even as Members of his own party remain skeptical, the President and his left flank in Congress are taking their message on the road in a desperate attempt to sell the public on a trillion dollar plan to put government bureaucrats in the health care business.
“With a carefully designed timetable at risk in the Senate, President Barack Obama and his allies this week are launching a public relations blitz to bolster the case for health care reform.” (Keith Koffler and David M. Drucker, “Obama Team Set to Rally for Health Bill,” Roll Call, June 23, 2009)
But it’s going to take more than a PR blitz to convince the American people.
The number of Americans who disapprove of the President’s handling of health care has increased from 29 percent to 39 percent in the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll. And while Democrats are citing the latest New York Times/CBS News poll as evidence of support for a government-run system, that very same poll shows that Americans are deeply concerned about how such a government takeover would impact their coverage and quality of care. The New York Times/CBS News poll found that:
-- 63 percent were concerned that their own health care would get worse under a government-run system of health care;
-- 68 percent believed a government-run system would limit their access to treatments and quality care; and
-- 53 percent were concerned they would have to give up their own doctor under a government-run system.
In an editorial appearing this morning, the Wall Street Journal dug a little deeper into those poll results and found serious misgivings among the American people about the Democrats’ plans.
“Over the weekend a New York Times-CBS News poll carried the headline ‘Wide Support for Government-Run Health’ and the lead that Americans ‘are strongly behind one of the most contentious proposals Congress is considering.’ This is a reference to the so-called public option, but if you read the actual questions you learn that the public is far less supportive of liberal policy goals. It's true that 72% of the 895 respondents told pollsters that they support another health program. But policy details complicate their thinking. Even among those who favor the government covering the uninsured, only 47% would still support a public option if it meant their own health costs would rise -- as they inevitably will, until the government is compelled to start rationing. On that score, 77% were very or somewhat satisfied with the quality of their own care, while 68% were concerned that a public option will restrict their access to treatment. Some 53% were worried about being forced to switch doctors. Merely 43% were willing to pay even $500 in new health taxes -- the costs will be far higher -- and only 28% believed President's Obama rhetoric that a new entitlement will improve the economy.” (Editorial, “Government Health Care and Voters,” The Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2009)