TPM LiveWire
Obama To GOP: Stop Pretending Health Care Is A Bolshevik Plot (VIDEO)
Share
Send to a friend!
Speaking to House Republicans at their retreat in Baltimore today, President Obama expressed frustration with the argument that the Democrats' health care reform effort is creeping socialism. Obama pointed to support from people such as former Senate Majority Leaders Bob Dole and Howard Baker, plus former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and insisted that the proposed reforms have more moderate goals than some GOPers contend.
"Now you may not agree with Bob Dole and Howard Baker, and certainly you don't agree with Tom Daschle on much, but that's not a radical bunch," said Obama. "But if you were to listen to this debate, and frankly how some of you went after this bill, you'd think that this thing was some Bolshevik plot."
Watch the video:
Comments (20) | Join the Conversation!
Leave a comment
Follow us!
Most Popular
TPM Stories Now Surging on Digg.com
TPM Top News
© 2010 TPM Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
EH
January 29, 2010 4:44 PM
Speaking to House Republicans at their retreat in Baltimore today, President Obama expressed frustration
Now that's what I call "leadership."
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tchamp77
January 29, 2010 4:51 PM
As if the Republicans were interested in really learning about the real intent and workings of the plan!!! What an exercise in futility...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Aaron M E
January 29, 2010 5:02 PM
Why does he spend so much energy trying to get republicans to like him, and so little energy fighting for his bills?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
busdrivermike
January 29, 2010 5:27 PM
I think it was the beginning of Obama starting to take the gloves off. It better be, he is about five months overdue.
I hope he understands that nothing will change in the attitude of the Republican congressmen. The victory here is in stripping the Republican arguments down to their core, which is hot air and fear mongering, on live TV.
The Republicans have two ideas on healthcare. Insurance companies can write policies across state lines, negating the laws of the individual states(BTW, this is supposed to be the party of states rights), and two, malpractice insurance caps.
Neither of these would be of significant help in capping health care costs.
I hope Obama starts pulling out the closed fist, as he promised when he ran for president. High time to put away the olive branch and break out the quiver of arrows
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jsfox
January 29, 2010 5:52 PM
I am curious did any of the commenters dissing this, did you actually see it? It was outstanding. The Republican came off looking small and not willing to govern.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
EastWest
January 29, 2010 7:37 PM in reply to jsfox
I say it's about time. Obama was elected to lead. Looks like he may be starting. Baby steps, but steps nonetheless.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
again
January 29, 2010 8:29 PM in reply to EastWest
I'll take the baby steps, I'll take whatever at this point.
This is an encouraging start, like a cold, short glass of water to those of us stranded in the desert.
It's good.
More. please.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
neesy08
January 29, 2010 9:06 PM in reply to jsfox
They looked like fools. I hink Obama has decided to take the gloves off. Bout time
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
traitorjoe
January 29, 2010 6:04 PM
The Party of No looks like the Party of D'oh! Obama schooled them.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
melior
January 29, 2010 6:05 PM
Why does the TPM video overlay read "More at foxnews.com" when it's clearly CNN live footage?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
melior
January 29, 2010 6:07 PM
Aha, I see Ben Craw is no longer around, I suppose that answers my question. (kidding!)
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
four legs good
January 29, 2010 7:39 PM
The GOP just exposed themselves as the asshats that they are. They don't even understand their own stupid proposals, let alone the two bills the democrats passed.
Fools. All of them.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Reefdancer
January 29, 2010 9:02 PM
That's the man I voted for. Go get 'em Barack.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
bluesplashy
January 29, 2010 9:58 PM
Those republicans sitting in that room are fully aware that Obama just told them they are full of shite and it would be playing on national TV. I hope he doesn't let up.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Leo69
January 29, 2010 10:41 PM
It is obvious that the GOP is well aware that the President is a very intelligent person; therefore, instead of engaging in debate, up to this point, they have opted instead to demoralize American citizens by convincing them that they elected a "weak" and ineffective president.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
MarkC
January 30, 2010 12:50 PM in reply to Leo69
Exactly. While doing everything possible to make sure that he doesn't accomplish anything.
Sort of like your liver deciding to stop working in the hopes that it can take over the functions of your pancreas once your body shuts down due to catastrophic organ failure. Great plan!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Buckley
January 30, 2010 6:56 AM
Why should they change from rhetoric to reality when the former is working.
We need more Obama fire like when you told that other tool "you know it';s wrong."
I hate this "let's all get along shit."
He tried, they said screw you, now let's rumble.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
atlmom
January 30, 2010 9:31 AM
I love it! I hope this is part of a trend!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
DRK
January 30, 2010 2:15 PM
The problem is, Republicans like Howard Baker and Bob Dole no longer have a place in the party.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Agathena
January 30, 2010 8:26 PM
Too bad, the US doesn't have a parliament with question period. It would give them a chance to see the president handle the opposition's questions on a regular basis.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?