What's really behind Obama's sudden plea for troubled health reforms today

Friday afternoons and evenings -- as we've mentioned here previously -- are usually a dumping ground for political news its originators do not want noticed much. Especially entering warm summer weekends.

The flip side of that adage is that there's rarely much competition for the news at those times. Tah-dah! Not by accident Friday nearly an hour late but what else is new, President Barack Obama (despite the shattering death of his beloved teleprompter earlier this week) staged an unscheduled media availability to insert himself into the news.

Not much competition, so he got lots of coverage. And since he walked out afterward without deigning to take any questions, there was no chance of anything else detracting from the message he wanted to insert: Healthcare now!

The president knows his keystone program is in deep trouble and losing momentum. That's why his organization is sending out all those e-mails and organizing local discussion groups to mobilize grassroots support and why he drags the subject into everything he talks about. Why he even dragged it into a speech Thursday night celebrating the NAACP's centennial. And he'll no doubt focus on the same subject in his weekly address tomorrow (Text here as always at 3 a.m. Pacific Saturday).

"Now is not the time to slow down," he pleads.

Which sounds much like winter's successful argument for urgent passage of the economic stimulus bill, whose benefits have yet to appear. We gotta do this now doesn't always work the second time around.

Obama insists Congress get a healthcare reform program drafted before its members leave on....

... Aug. 7 for their next long vacation. Why? Because members may get an earful back home from the 70% of Americans who say they are satisfied with their healthcare plans and the estimated 98% who don't want higher taxes to pay for reforms that benefit others now and maybe them later someday, who knows.

And if Obama doesn't get his beloved healthcare reforms this year when his party has such firm control of both chambers of Congress, 2010 is a midterm election year when such immense spending will be even more controversial and when, historically, the White House party loses members in Congress. (And  unemployment rates are predicted to continue rising.)

Obama insists healthcare reform must not increase the federal government's budget deficit, whose digits already outnumber the space on non-federal calculators.

No mention by the president in today's remarks about the Republicans. They say they're for reform, but add, holy moley, look at the costs! Obama's current problem is actually crumbling support among Democrats, dozens of whom are beginning to waver over the scale of such spending, whether some of it eventually gets covered by savings or not.

They know that conveniently predicted future government savings have a way in Washington of not actually ever materializing. But by then it's too late.

And recent estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office not only bruise but basically destroy the administration's argument about costs and savings.

Moments after he didn't answer any media questions this afternoon, the White House Twittered news of his next news conference, a prime-time deal next Wednesday -- 6 p.m. Pacific, 9 p.m. Eastern, 2 a.m. Thursday GMT.

Obama has mentioned several times recently the nation's 24-hour news cycle, as if it's a regrettable reality of modern life. He did it again today as if there had been some mounting demand for him to speak out on the healthcare debate now.

The truth, of course, is that the White House, better than many in recent years, plays the 24-hour news cycle like a concert violinist, as if the youthful Obama studied music in Austria instead of whatever he studied in Indonesia. That skill was a significant factor in his successful $750-million election campaign.

The point, of course, of today's unscheduled appearance and next Wednesday's formal news affair is to drive the D.C. agenda around what the White House wants to talk about -- healthcare reform. And force it onto the Sunday talk show schedule, a political pulse the White House monitors so closely because it helps set the talk agenda for the start of a new week.

The news conference has emerged as a favorite weapon in Obama's bully pulpit arsenal; remember, a few weeks ago Obama called one to get himself on video record about Iran's violent protests and images after Sen. John McCain's emotional Senate speech on Neda, which, of course, had nothing to do with the news conference scheduling.

Remember also, when the president was asked about that at the news conference, Obama smiled dismissively and said, "What do you think?"

Which, if you accept the president's invitation and do think about it, isn't really an answer.

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photo: Jason Reed / Reuters

Comments

[MissButterfly]

BO has got to be the biggest egomaniac POTUS ever! I just turn off the TV when he butts in.
If his health care passes, this nation is toast.

[steve rodriguez]

I don't want the Govt. coming into my bedroom!
Can the Govt. do anything right? So were gonna let them handle health care? Look how they failed in education, the economy and and state govt. California is almost bankrupt!

" The best government is less government!"
- Ronald Reagan

[michael loehrer]

Plain and simple, the guy's a car salesman. He has to make the sale immediately before the sucker walks out the door which would make him not a sucker.

[Jack Gates]

When President Obama says "Now is not the time to slow down", that is exactly what we should do. The CBO just said that the Healtcare Reform plans do not lower costs, but raise them! Ouch! There is going to be a new report coming out at the end of the month with revised figures for the updated deficit numbers. It will not be pretty, but it is only responsible to see what those numbers actually are before any decesion is made. We have already fallen once for the "this is too imporatant to wait" line, and we moved ahead in a reckless manner, and now have virtually nothing to show for it, except a huge deficit that puts us in peril. The House and the Senate have a duty and a responsiblity to the taxpayers to get this right, and if they cannot do it within the money that is available, then we should not move forward until we can. The truth is that in the first six months of this administration they have spent all of the money, and have put us on an unsustainable path, according to the CBO. President Obama talks about sacrifice, well maybe he will have to do just that himself and rein in the spending, as he has broke the bank.

[Beth Tivnan]

Since the bill I've read about so far specifically exempts our politicians from participation in the wonderful government-run health care plan, then I can only conclude that it will be less than stellar. And, just as is the case with Social Security, since they don't participate and don't feel the pain, they don't give a hoot! Are we stupid!

[Lloyd Revalee]

It may be true that Obama is doing a great job. A great job of ruining our government as we have known it. Taking away our freedom that many have fought and died for. The way to take control of a government, the country and its people, is to create4 a crisis. He and our Congress have done that, and will continue to destroy everything we hold dear, unless we stop them. Wake up America!!! Know your enemies.

!!!

[hsr0601]

I am on board with the two ideas, the one suggested by the President Obama: Based on a new report that details how much waste and inefficiency there is in medicare, how best practices are not always used, how many billions of dollars could be saved, the independent groups of doctors and medical experts to oversee long-term cost saving measures every year force congress to make sure that they are acting on these recommendations to bend the cost curve each and every year.
The other idea echoed by New York Times;
"Meanwhile, it will be important to get some guaranteed fast savings from the health care industries by cutting and reallocating hundreds of billions of dollars from projected spending on Medicare and Medicaid...Just to be sure, Congress ought to establish a fail-safe mechanism that could impose additional cuts after a few years if savings are less than projected."
I agree that In the near-term, this type of accountability will ensure that health reform legislation is fiscally responsible and fully financed. In the long-term, it will make certain that our health system, especially Medicare, is sustainable for generations to come. Please visit http://www.newamerica.net/blog/new-health-dialogue/2009/health-reform-finding-trigger-points-controlling-costs-13089 for further details.
Thank You !

[V_Putin]

Now, now Obama, remember what I told you in Moscow. Just keep repeating over and over..... (sarcasm)

CRISES, CRISES, CRISES.

For a change, give OBAMA a CRISES.

RECALL CONGRESS FOR RECESS NOW!

Stop this dictator in his tracks.

BALANCE THE BUDGET: FURLOUGHS for Government Employees.... Starting with Boxer's staff! If it's good enough for California, it's good enough for DC.

[yvette]

It is like they are saying "Look at the lipstick and quick buy the pig. You''ve got to buy the pig this minute." That is because if you took the time to examine the pig, you woulf find it is rabid and will kill you. That is what this health care is about. That is what everything the Democrats are doing is about.....do it very quickly and don't let anyone look at it so no one knows how bad it is. The legislation that has come out of committee, on page 16, OUTLAWS the sale of private health insurance and outlaws Health Savings Accounts that save us money. Cap and Tax has whole sections that they are making law and THE SECTIONS ARE BLANK...THEY HAVE NOT BEEN WRITTEN YET!...ISN'T THAT LIKE GIVING OBAMA AND CREW A DICTAORSHIP? Then they can make up anything they want and it is law? For me, if they want to do it in a hurry, something is WRONG with the bill. If they want to hurry, my answer to the bill is NO!. I predict that if they pass this, the people will revolt and no Democrat will be elected for the next 100 years.

[Lisa]

If the health care system in this country is so bad and we are facing a PANDEMIC!!!! then why did my pediatricians office call me this week to ask me to bring my 3 children in to get a H1N1 flu shot? How many countries do you think are this prepared this soon to face this problem? The Obots are in a panic because now even the democrats in congress are not falling for Obama's rules for radicals rush everything through before anyone has a chance to read what is in the bill. Socialized medicine will not be an improvement of the healthcare that we already have, it will merely reduce access to certain procedures. Most likely access by the elderly.

[ohheck]

The article quotes that 70% are happy with their health care and 98% don't want to see an increase in taxes. Why is the media enabling the Democrat Party to push this monstrosity through? All the networks did news specials for this bill in the last week. Isn't it time that the media begins to ask the president why he's pushing a bill that is so contrary to the wishes of the people? And where is the debate that tunes the bill and eliminates the pork? And why won't a clean copy of the bill be shared 72 hrs before the vote so that the people can react? Does the media serve the president of the people?

[GaiS]

My thoughts on Obama's health care and our 9.5% unemployment devastation is that Obama won't do anything about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS, until he gets his beloved Obama-care bill passed. He is using jobless people to TRY to get his bill PASSED. That is just plain UGLY!!! How can anyone do that to fellow Americans?

[Ursus]

They need it passed so that they can commit the country to paying for it later when the cost is in our face. When that time comes, the dems figure we'll pay for it the same way the Europe and Canada do, which is to cut military spending by 80%

Notice that they do not offer to make those cuts now

[Larry Jost]

Read page 16 of the act. No new coverage is allowed in private health care plans after this plan is in place. No changes can be made to existing plans. This plan totally destroys the insurance industry and removes all choice from consumers. Maybe we can keep our present plan and doctors for a little while, but that won't last. Why not introduce tort reform and protect doctors from predatory lawyers? Why not come up with a real plan that provides options for those who are uninsured while not harming everyone else? This is another disaster being created by the Obama Administration and the Dems. Wake up America, this country is quickly being turned to a socialist state and is vecoming overrun by government. Put government back where it belongs and push back on this act. Here's the link ... see page 16. http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/AAHCA09001xml.pdf

[NCDAD]

Although I do not like seeing Government involved in our lives, healthcare needs to be fixed. It is too costly and it is due to the greedy coporations in America. After payiing for health insurance over the past 30 years and for the 1st time having to go to the emergency room, I was shocked to see the charges for this vist. Almost $4k for food poisoning! A couple hours in the ER! And then, after my insurance paid, I was left owing almost $900.00! Which I cannot afford. I AM ALL FOR Federal Healthcare now!

[Veronica Sanders RN]

What is American turning to? Do you think Obama is suffering from all this economy downfall and do you think he is going to be affected by healthcare reform? No he is not. Do you think he will be taxed at a higher rate?The answer is probably no. I work for home health and if you have any family that has home health then you better stand up against this healthcare reform. Obama is planning on cutting homecare and forcing our elderly and disabled children into nursing facilities. Is that where you want your mom or dad or child? I don't. We take care of a good many elderly and they want to be left in their house if possible. Well with this so called health care reform that will be impossible. So think about it, Would you rather visit your family member in their own home or in a nursing home? Protect our elderly!!!!!!!They need our help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buffy Pittman]

The Obama administration is clearly incompetent.

God forbid they destroy our heathcare -- after trashing jobs, the housing market, the auto industry, the Justice Dept., Honduras, and on and on.

[fb]

Obama has been pushing reforms (be they all negative) as fast as he can before he is "found out". There is a book by Larry Sinclair available now that Obama, Axlerod and Emmanuel have been trying to suppress and have had bloggers such as "jacksmith-working class" from firedoglake and many others trying to keep Sinclair from publishing. Firedoglake's tactics is one of the entities mentioned in the book.

Barnes and Nobles, Amazom and others now have it available.

There is a stated connection between Obama and a young male who was murdered, but the Chicago Police Dept. has felt it necessary to "keep on ice and not investigate."

Obama and his crew of many have tried, but failed to stop this publication and frankly I think this is "REALLLY BEHIND OBAMA'S....................................."

[Ray]

What Obama has been doing is destroying our country and our way of life as a nation since the independent day. The liberal government has shown not to work and repeatedly shown this is the case. The case in point is FDR prolonging our depression in the 30's. What the stimulus does is prolonging our recession. Worst, if this Health Care Reform is passed, I believe it will dive our country into a huge depression. The first one will get hit is pharmaceutical companies because the government will start controlling companies' precription drug pricing, then the health insurance companies, then the small business, then hospitals, then doctors and nurses, and then university. Our success and technological advancement as a nation are based on these major institution. If Obama got his way, the flood of destruction follows it will be unstoppable. If liberals and uninformed are not waking up now, what will follow will be unstoppable!

[Beannie]

The Obominator sounds so desperate to get this passed, I wouldn't be surprised if him and Nutcase Nan decide to declare Martial law, it would be for our own good you know!

[Dooley]

Like the article said, Obama wants it NOW or it will never get passed. Totally irresponsible. He doesn't care about it's effect on the economy or people's lives. It's all about control, just like Cap & Trade, the banks, and GM and Chrysler.

[Frank Thompson]

Whenever bureaucrats begin to pay for their own health care and have to invest in their own retirement, then and only then should they be making decisions for the rest of us. One term(president, house, senate) and they draw full retirement for the rest of their life. Small wonder they live in Oz when it comes to understanding the problems the rest of us poor dumb serfs must endure. Fire them all and limit all terms to two and actually make them pay for what they get as the rest of us do. Bureaucrats have become our masters and we have become their slaves.

[Mister_Clean]

LOL! Well looks like a few folks been drinking a little too much of the conservative kool- aid. As far a arrogance and egomania go, G.W. was the best ever, flight deck, "mission accomplished" banner ring any bells? But in all honesty, yes, the Obama administration manages it's press releases extremely well, and they are very good at timing. And I say so what? The President knows that we have a severe problem with health care, and we need to fix it. Jack Smith is right when he states that our health care plan in America is crap. Lets cut out the middleman, who does nothing to contribute to health care and get rid of the insurance companies, paying money to the doctors and hospitals that actually provide the care. I have to admit that in my case, it will make little difference as I am moving next year to a country that has government run health care. Yes I have been there before, no I didn't have to wait forever to receive care from a doctor, or any of the other horror stories the insurance industry is trying to sell you, to keep health care reform from happening this time. So wake up folks, do you want an insurance executive denying you the care your doctor recommends, so that he can pad the wallets of some fat cat shareholders? Do you want keep spending more than other nations for health care,, and getting worse quality care? If the answer to those questions is yes, than keep tings the way they are. I will be enjoying good care at good prices, and be grateful for it. Anticipating a lot of good riddance comments from you folks, but that's all good.

[JR Miche]

I've had enough of crazy people making descions on where to spend my money. The economy would have been stimulated by giving the tax paying Americans the money instead of bailouts for everyone. Now the same people that came up with that idea want to be in charge of health care,are you kidding me?

[katwomack]

I AM AFRAID OF OBAMAS PLAN FOR OUR HEALTHCARE. I SAW A DISCUSSION LAST NITE THEY WERE DISCUSSING PART OF HIS PLAN THAT WOULD REQUIRE OLDER PERSONS TO BE "COUNSELED" ON THEIR HEALTH CARE. THE SUGGESTION WOULD BE YOU WOULD BE REQUIRED TO GO TO HOSPICE, MEANING YOU WOULD THEN NOT RECEIVE ANY LIFE SAVING TREATMENTS , RATHER YOU WOULD BE KEPT PAIN FREE AND ALLOWED TO DIE PEACEFULLY. I AM SURE THE NEXT MOVE WOULD BE TO SUGGEST THE ELDERLY COMMIT SUICIDE OR AS THE ESKIMOS DO GO OUT AND LIE DOWN ON THE ICE AND WAIT TO DIE OR BE EATEN BY POLAR BEARS, MAYBE THIS IS THE PLAN TO SAVE THE POLAR BEARS FROM EXTINCTION.