Democrats made a mistake by passing President Barack Obama’s health-care law in 2010 instead of focusing more directly on helping the middle class, third- ranking U.S. Senate Democrat Charles Schumer said today.
“Unfortunately, Democrats blew the opportunity the American people gave them” in electing Obama and a Democratic Congress in 2008 amid a recession, Schumer of New York said in a speech in Washington. “We took their mandate and put all our focus on the wrong problem -- health care reform.”
Schumer said Democrats should have addressed issues aiding the middle class to build confidence among voters before turning to revamping the health-care system. He said he opposed the timing of the health-care vote and was overruled by other party members.
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“The plight of uninsured Americans and the hardships created by unfair insurance company practices certainly needed to be addressed,” the senator said. “But it wasn’t the change we were hired to make” in the 2008 election.
Schumer’s comments represent an unusual public intra-party critique of the way Obama’s signature legislative achievement was enacted. The senator spoke at the National Press Club to analyze the results of this month’s election, when Republicans took control of the Senate and increased their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
High Ground
Democrats’ pro-government posture “has the natural high political ground” when the middle class is frustrated as voters were before this month’s congressional election, Schumer said. At the same time, he said, Republicans were encouraging distrust toward government.
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“That doesn’t mean we always win,” he cautioned. “When we don’t present a coherent, believable pro-government plan and message -- when we allow government to mess up -- we can easily lose.”
To win in 2016, “Democrats must embrace government, not run away from it,” Schumer said. Voter discontent will continue until one of the political parties convinces middle-class Americans that it has an agenda for helping them, he said.
I have said that all along, economy first then healthcare and I have also said, universal healthcare or leave it alone. But we have what we have and for the repubs to continue to sit on their hands not propose real workable ideas to help better the law makes them just as bad.
ReplyDeleteThere are 100 analyses of this election out there. The fact remains that everything aligned for the repubs. Mitch McConnell saw it coming years ago and he governed for the very day. The chances of the senate staying repub are near zero, especially when the horrifying stupidity begins. The house, well until the dems can reclaim some state houses and control of the gerrymandering we are stuck with the status quo.
"But we have what we have."
ReplyDeleteA socialists motto for progressive government.
This Thanksgiving rick sit in a room by yourself for a few minutes and actually think about what you believe in. Actually "think" for a few moments on this blessed day.
Solid work Chuck. I wonder if he wistfully sat back and wondered where some old girlfriends are. He should just shut up and go eat some Thanksgiving dinner. There will be plenty of time to run away from Obama like a little bitch in 2016.
ReplyDeleteUnder the Grey Hound huh.
DeleteIt was the same for Republicans under Bush William, and it goes back to my independently arrived at opinion that American voters are kind of idiots and they use the ballot as a way of throwing little tantrums. Nothing is ever perfect, but I don't believe the majority of America understands what a true shit show the financial sector was in when Obama took office. I'm not real happy with what he did either as he basically rewarded the worst of behavior of already overcompensated assholes. The alternative to just let the whole thing fail, and let all the investors around the world lose their money was nothing but fantasy thinking. What legislation for the economy did Schumer propose?
DeleteThis new style of governance wherein candidates pass legislation and then run away from it later disgusts me. But, in the mind of our stupid voters who cannot figure anything out that isn't predigested by their favorite cable news outlet, it's totally possible to write and vote for legislation and then later say it was all a shitty idea from the president.
As they say, woulda, coulda, shoulda.
DeleteHave a great day Max.
Thanks Lou, hope your day was good as well. We spent time with some friends and their kids for the day. Holy cow those kids get wound up! Good day had by all. Pasta for me and the missus, turkey for the family. They were much happier to have us over than in laws lol. As always, a great to count blessings, I have quite a few.
DeleteGlad you had a good day. Work, work, work. No rest for the wicked. Have 900 sq. ft. of wood floor ready fro install next week so the house is a bit trashed. Painting the Master bath and getting ready to remodel that the following week. With luck, we will finish before Christmas.
DeleteDaughter is home for the week end and back to school for her. In any case, the weather has settled into the 50's and it's pleasant during the day.
Be well.