Obama's Health Care Victory

by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright Dec. 21, 2009
All Rights Reserved.                    

              Wrapping up his filibuster-proof 60th vote on health care reform Dec. 20, President Barack Obama has done more than any Democratic or Republican since President Lyndon Baines Johnson passed Medicare over GOP objections in 1964.  Despite its problems, Medicare has been the mainstay of single-payer government-sponsored health care, giving seniors and the disabled a medical safety net.  Since Barack announced his plans to fast-track health care reform last March, the GOP has fought a pitched battle, not because it opposes reform but because it seeks a political defeat before next year’s midterm elections.  GOP cynicism hit its peak July 20 when Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) accidentally exposed Republican strategy to defeat Barack’s health care plan at all costs.  DeMint hoped defeating health care would be Obama’s “Waterloo,” a strategy that has now backfired.

            Public opposition to the president’s health care reform stems largely from a well-orchestrated GOP PR campaign, demonizing the jointly-sponsored presidential, House and Senate bill that attempts to rein-in spiraling health care costs and covers over 30 million uninsured Americans.  Clearing all hurdles before expected passage on Christmas Eve, Republicans find themselves scrambling to explain a stunning political defeat bound to boost Obamas’ job approval ratings.  When the public gets beyond GOP propaganda, they’ll find some redeeming features to Obama’s health care reform, especially the ban on denying health insurance to individuals with pre-existing conditions.  Providing government help to pay for coverage also appeals to the millions of uninsured individuals, both Republicans and Democrats, currently strapped for cash, unable to pay for medical bills.

            Before it’s too late, the GOP should stop whining, avoid grandstanding but, more importantly, stop the classless sour grapes expressed by Republican leaders like House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kt.) and Barack’s former rival, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) who’s constantly bashed Obama since losing the election Nov. 4, 2008.  Republicans should reconsider changing their vote before Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) calls for the final vote on Christmas Eve.  Going down for the record opposing health care, now that it’s slated for approval Dec. 24, hurts the GOP heading into next year’s midterm elections.  Like opposing Medicare in 1964, it helped fuel the worst GOP presidential defeat in U.S. election history.  Opposing health care reform—for whatever reason—won’t look good to everyday voters.

            Since Obama’s plan is endorsed by the 40-million-member American Association of Retired People and the 280,000-member American Medical Association, it’s difficult for the GOP to argue it’s bad for the country.  “For all those who are continually carping about how this is somehow a big spending government bill, this cuts our deficit by $132 billion the first 10 years, and by over a trillion in the second,” said Obama, reminding the GOP that they oppose the bill at their own peril.  “That argument that opponents are making against this bill does not hold water,” warning the GOP about possible fallout.  When McConnell and Boehner rant about Obama’s bill they can’t have it both ways:  Touting the infinite wisdom of Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) when he opposed the bill but now disparaging him when he supports the final version.  Lieberman’s support belies Republican opposition.

            Republicans’ opposition to the current version of health care reform stems from a lingering desire to hand the president a political defeat.  GOP politicians should stop listening to Rush Limbaugh and make the best of Obama’s political victory.  “America has the best health care in the world—if you can get it,” said AMA President Dr. Cecil B. Wilson.  “For far too many people access to care is out of reach because of the lack of insurance.  This is not acceptable to physicians,” highlighting the supremely myopic objections to health care reform.  Republicans, too, have uninsured constituents, looking for a modicum of protection.  As the AMA’s Wilson observes, increasing access to health insurance helps both physicians and patients.  Physicians want bigger reimbursements but must live with the fiscal reality of providing affordable medical services to patients under national payment guidelines.

            Republicans expecting negative political fallout to Democrats’ health care reform won’t find a silver lining.  Now that they’ve lost the political battle, the GOP should get behind Obama’s plan and cast some positive votes on Christmas Eve.  Showing only sour grapes will cause more damage to the GOP in next year’s midterm elections.  Letting GOP spokesmen, like Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and McCain, continue to bash the bill only hurts GOP chances next year.  Calling last minute wrangling “Bernie Madoff gimmicks,” McCain continues to administer the same self-inflicted wounds that sank the Republican Party in 2008.  There’s still time for Republicans to come to their senses and show some support for the most historic piece of legislation since Medicare in 1964.  Obama and the Democrats stand to get a big bump in the polls from finishing the job.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news.  He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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