Health care group launches

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:57:53 GMT

I'm an Obama supporter but I've got to tell you that this sounds or is the equivalent of a 527 ad by Obama supporters. Way too many democratic names and unions that supported Obama and Hillary. Elizabeth Edwards wasa going to speak. Come on.

I don't like 527's from either side. You can't complain when the otherside does the same against you.

Health care group launches

bill, okla — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:01:05 GMT

John McCain has had health care his entire life and it's been paid for by the government. Do you think he's really going to help any of you who don't have it now and can't afford it? My suggestion. Don't ever get sick. I was taught heroes protected the weak, the sick and the poor just as much as the rich. The war gnome doesn't qualify.

Health care group launches

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:01:19 GMT

This is great! Very pro-active and clearly desiring to be bipartisan.

I changed a job when I was pregnant because the healthcare cost to me increased from $450/month to $850/month. That was FIVE years ago. This is an issue whose time has long since come.

Health care group launches

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:03:24 GMT

wow, I also just realized - No apparent slant from MSNBC. Just the facts. Great job!

Health care group launches

I like this idea! — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:06:45 GMT

Great idea! This will fit well into Senator Obama's plan. After all the years of talk, maybe something will actually get done.
McCain has been talking healthcare reform as well, let's see had well he receives these ideas.
Worthy effort!

Health care group launches

I like this idea! — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:06:46 GMT

Health care group launches

donna — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:07:01 GMT

Our family spent 10 yrs., down through the cracks, without healthcare between '86, and '96. It was not an experience I would wish on my worst enemy.
***************************************

In criminal trials you have to bring forth a motive, in order to convict.--Donna

Not true Donna...motive, means, and opportunity are not required; they are helpful. No appeals court would overturn a conviction based on a lack of motive...please stop spewing your knowledge of the law based on Law and Order.
We are better than this people (Sent Tuesday, July 08, 2008 10:31

******************************************

Thank you for the correction.

I don't watch 'Law, and Order', however. My legal education comes from 'The New Detectives'!

Peace.

Health care group launches

clara kansas city, mo — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:07:20 GMT

PS. Maca, this makes it sound like you are the only supporter; but that can't be-Bobbi, Eau Claire is out there somewhere. struck me as funny. sorry

I am Hillary's supporter and I can not wait to vote for Mr. McCain , In November!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maca, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, July 08, 2008 2:39 PM)

Health care group launches

American Voter — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:08:11 GMT

Good luck. We'll have health care quality on par w/the post office or worse. Great.

Health care group launches

Keith, American Fork, UT — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:09:01 GMT

Having dealt with the death of a family member in Canada who shot himself rather than deal with the fact that he fell through one of the many cracks of the Canadian system, I am in no way eager for that system or anything like it here. (He was discharged to from the hospital in need of nursing and mental services and put on a waiting list of up to two years. Couldn't care for self so shot self instead.)

Having someone else close in Canada, who had a heart attack in Reno, and who was admitted for emergency open heart surgery without any guarantee of payment to the hospital under our EMTALA laws and who returned to Canada to get the "free" care only to be told he'd have to wait two years makes me scared of socialized medicine.

Having personally received care in a Berlin, Germany hospital under socialized care and observing and being cared for under conditions that were far inferior to anything I've seen in the U.S. makes me a non-believer in socialized medicine.

These countries, and others, have higher tax rates in spite of a minimal defense budget (we provide that for them) and lower levels of customer oriented service. The health system experience resembles the DMV experience. Who needs that level of taxation and that level of indifference?!?

If you look at the last fifty years, it becomes clear that there is a direct correlation between the decline of healthcare service/availability and the increase in government involvement. Really, can anyone HONESTLY cite an example of where government has done a better job than the private sector?!?

Yeah, yeah, I want health care available to everyone, too. But I don't want to make the system suck for everyone else in order to do it. And I really don't want the government having a vested (and conflict of) interest in meting out health care to you and me.

Health care group launches

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:09:17 GMT

"A coalition of left-leaning groups," also known as, "most citizens of the United States of America."
Left is the new Center. McCain and Bush have pushed their Republican Party far, far, far to the Right.

Health care group launches

Kris STL — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:12:22 GMT

I don't like 527's from either side. You can't complain when the otherside does the same against you.

Ira, Freehold,
=====================================================
I agree that 527's are bad. But the truth of the matter is that the Repub 527's are out and in full force and their message is completely negative. Move-on for one has promised to stay positive and I can not see that they would get involved in a coalition that was not willing to stay positive.
Not to mention I want the health care system fixed and at this point I am willing to let anyone who is willing to attack this problem go at it.

Health care group launches

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:12:50 GMT

Go to the website for Physicians for a National Health Plan (http://www.pnhp.org/) for a great academic discussion of a single payer system. Not socialized medicine, but a national single payer.
There is a huge difference.

Health care group launches

Matt, Idaho — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:14:06 GMT

Ira, Elizabeth edwards supported hillary's healthcare agenda, not Obama's. that was why she didnt endorse him alongside her husband.

Don't assume that support is unilateral simply because its Democratic, they are asking "whoever" wins to make this happen.

Granted, with Obama its many many more times likely, but thats beside the point.

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Matthew — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:15:07 GMT

You know what Ira I think I agree but . . . ask yourself: What HARM does a group like this do to the American Public? Versus the one's that offered no information or ideas and only attacked and detracted and confused, never really educating the viewer on what THEY ACTUALLY WANT TO DO? The latter sounds a lot like what the GOP will come with this fall doesn't it?

You have to ask yourself what greater good does this group serve. I think the answer is obvious: It puts real ideas and considerations out there.

Health care group launches

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:15:26 GMT

I agree, Ira.

Additionally, I don't much care for their message. Health care in 2009, because that's the next president's first priority?

I've resigned myself to the probability that its going to happen, though I do think until we prove we can afford the entitlement programs we've already established we shouldn't be thinking about new ones.

That said, I think the president's first priorities are:

1) establishing a new administration's business rules regarding budgeting and winning consensus for those rules in Congress,

2) foreign posture, to include military/diplomatic strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan,

3) establishing a building consensus for an energy policy aimed at greater reliance on alternative sources,

4) infrastructure, which though primarily a state and local responsibility also requires federal funding assistance, and we've got a lot of aging transportation and utility infrastructure.

As for health care, I'd prefer a slow, deliberate approach outside of an election cycle over a rush to implement an idea months after seating a new Congress and innaugurating a new president.

Health care group launches

McCain Not Wearing Flag Lapel Pin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:16:34 GMT

Mighty interesting!

We now have Bush talking to a rogue nation leader(N. Korea) and saying must have diplomacy for Iran.

Iraq wants a timetable for when US forces leave.

And now health insurance for all of us.

Wow - didn't Obama bring this all up and was shot down by the GOP?????

Health care group launches

Kit — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:16:57 GMT

This is exciting news. Recently I had a health crisis and in learning the cost of treatment I was extremely grateful I have a good job with benefits. But the rising costs of those benefits led to recent layoffs at my company. While I was not among them, a recession would change that.

The system is broken. Too many people use emergency rooms or have to declare bankruptcy because unless you have health insurance through your job it's outrageously high. Yes, overhauling the health care system will cost more but what are the hidden costs of the status quo? Outsourcing is more about eliminating the cost of benefits than of salary. How many jobs would still be in America if individuals could buy a group policy and if everyone were covered?

Everyone will benefit if this succeeds. And when you bring everyone to the table it has a good chance. I'm behind you guys 100% and as a member of MoveOn.org I'm sure I'll get the chance to prove it.

Health care group launches

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:18:55 GMT

After spending the last eight years being beat, raped, kicked to the curb by our own government led by the corporate system. I am more than a little gun shy about any new healthcare system that says that it is BIGGER AND BETTER and costs next to nothing. Without a doubt, someone will get richer than hell and some one will get ripped off. There ain't no free lunches.

Health care group launches

DUH — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:21:33 GMT

This is what needed in this country. If there is an issue that is important to the majority then the majority must stand up for it and not rely on just one person to carry the load. I'm sure one of the candidates will work on universal health care. I wonder which one?

Health care group launches

mario — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:21:40 GMT

No endorsement of Obama’s or McCain's plans:

aimed at pressuring the next president and Congress to pass comprehensive health care reform in 2009, representatives of the group, Health Care for America Now, announced today in a news conference at the National Press Club.

NOT A 527!!!Fellow family member

Health care group launches

MSierra, SF — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:21:57 GMT

Ira, it's no surprise that the Democrats are thw ones in favor of health care reform

It would be the most significant policy a President could pass (besides leaving Iraq)

Hopefully, Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton will take the lead in the Senate and get this passed

** DANGER ** ** DANGER ** ** DANGER **

If we can't win 60 seats in the Senate this year, it's possible that Republicans could fillibuster
Hopefully, Kennedy, Clinton and Obama will work with 'reform minded' Republicans (is that a contrdiction in terms ?)

Single payer is the best option, but nobody seems to be talking about it

Why can't we have affordable health care for all Americans ?

And, yes that would include illegal aliens
It has to, to prevent epidemics and other public health disasters

Obama/Edwards '08
The Healthcare ticket

Health care group launches

Kris Treadwell, Dallas Tx — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:24:48 GMT

Kind of, sort of, looks like a shadow 527 for Obama. I thought Obama bypassed public financing which would make 527's illegal for him. Obama looks to be as scummy as the Clintons.

Health care group launches

Wilson, Seattle — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:25:11 GMT

Health Care in this country is a joke. Competition driving down prices? When was the last time you shopped around for the best deal on your childrens' immunizations? Give me a break. I'm generally a free market type, but this crap has to be regulated. Why is my insurance company paying $800 dollars for a 15-minute check-up??

Health care group launches

Carol, Long Valley NJ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:28:18 GMT

Actually, this is no different than any other group that pushes an agenda without pushing (or dissing) a candidate. If this promotes a healthy (pun intended) debate with a 'people oriented' solution, than every one wins.

Environmental groups do this all the time. As do gun groups.

Talking about an issue is acceptable, lying about either candidate is not.

just saying.

Health care group launches

Delbert Justice — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:28:32 GMT

$40 million - quite the piece of change. Another 10% kicker to Obama's warchest from a murky set of liberal lobbying groups. Looks like Obama has found a loophole to the campaign finance laws. At this rate, he'll have close to a $1 billion to finance his campaign.

Health care group launches

Cheryl, Wisconsin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:28:38 GMT

Count me in!!

Health care group launches

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:31:22 GMT

Hmmm, sorry, off topic but the Iraqis have asked for a time table for US withdrawal from their country.
Could you folks at FirstRead tell us if the reporters covering the candidates have questioned them on it.
How about the White House? Did the press corp ask Ms. Perino about this? Does all the non reporting mean that what the Iraqis want means absolutely nothing and everybody knows it so why be a reporter?

Health care group launches

The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:31:39 GMT

Ira, Freehold, NJ - I am a Barack Obama supporter and I've got to tell you, I don't see any connection or similarity to the 527's.

This is a group of people focusing on an agenda that does not slander either party nominee.

Unlike the GOP's that focused on personal attacks and blatant lies to damage one's charater.

Absolutely, no comparison

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

Health care group launches

donna — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:31:47 GMT

Ira,

Be fair buddy.

Obama came out weeks ago, and made it absolutely clear to Move.on that he did not approve of the 527 they were running with little baby 'Alex', and his Mom. They immediately took the ad down.

McCain is not interested in wielding such power, and influence over the repub renegade wolf pack.

We Obama supporters, whose sense of decency is offended by such campaign dirty tricks, need to dig deep, and max out with donations to Obama's campaign, (if we can), as well as, to the DNC if Barack is to be in a positions to adequately counter what is surely to come from the GOP, and their bottom feeding kind.

Health care group launches

A Charles, LA, CA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:33:56 GMT

I hope it is a dem 527. Republicans always out spend the dems. Everyone thought Obama's excuse for ducking public financing was bogus. But facts are that repubs get about 100 million extra in 527 advertising.

Health care group launches

Cambridge Kendall Smith, Dover DL — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:38:28 GMT

Dear Liz Edwards:

I sit at my kitchen table wondering how to keep the government from taking more money out of my pocket. I can take care of myself if I'm allowed to keep a majority of the money I earn. I don't need a instrusive goverment "helping" me at every turn. What is broken is that the government thinks it can take care of people cradle to grave. Guess what Liz, polititians like your husband, and the ones that believe what you believe, are just not that smart.

Health care group launches

Molly — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:40:58 GMT

What Exactly would obama's plan be - does he have one - or just more vague Spin. Obama is a FRAUD - he Changes his message daily to suit his political needs. Who is this guy????
At lease we can trust McCain.

Health care group launches

Lee-- Dallas, TX — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:41:00 GMT

As Ira stated, this looks like a 527, but unlike other groups this organization is about something... the everyday person that's fighting to make it by. This group isn't downing or throwing personal blows at either of the candidates only their policy.

I see nothing wrong with pointing out issues that are vital to the vast majority of the American public.

Health care group launches

April - Denver, CO — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:41:10 GMT

527s are only bad when they (a) endorse one party, glossing over any of its weaknessess, and (b) lie about the other party. This group doesn't appear to do either. It's about health care, not party politics.

Health care group launches

Union Jack — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:42:06 GMT

Didn't Obama say he wasn't beholden to lobbying groups? Looks like he's tied into them to the tune of $40 million after today. You could cover 2-3 large states uninsured for that kind of coin.

Next up, the unions. I bet they don't endorse either candidate either.

Health care group launches

MSierra, SF — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:42:51 GMT

From the NYT:

'...WASHINGTON Senator John McCains campaigns have long been defined by internal squabbling and power plays, zigzagging lines of command and a penchant by the candidate for consulting with former advisers without alerting current ones, always a recipe for disquiet.

Shifts in McCains Campaign Staff

After a period of relative calm on that score, it is becoming clear that his campaign is once again a swirl of competing spheres of influence, clusters of friends, consultants and media advisers who represent a matrix of clashing ambitions and festering feuds. The cast includes the surviving members of Mr. McCains 2000 campaign, led by Rick Davis and Mark Salter; a new camp out of the world of Karl Rove, led by the recently ascendant Steve Schmidt; and on the periphery, the ever-present Mike Murphy, Mr. McCains strategist in the 2000 presidential race who has been dispensing advice to the candidate to the annoyance of the other camps, and is the subject of intensifying rumors in Republican circles that he is about to re-enter the campaign...'

Stop me if you've heard THIS before....
Ready from day one ??

On day one, McCain would invade Iran
It's the lebensraum, stupid !

John McCain, theres No Fool like an Old Fool

Health care group launches

ID,GA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:43:03 GMT

Ira,Freehold, NJ........It sounds like could be a 527 for Obama if McCain had a health care plan.

Health care group launches

James, Wichita, KS — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:43:15 GMT

Ira, Freehold, NJ... you do not sound like an Obama supporter.

Health care group launches

Banko — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:43:30 GMT

John McCain votes against Children's Healthcare..// McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/03/mccain.interview/

Advocates for the Disabled Protest John McCain,
http://www.kxmc.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=233475
Advocates for the Disabled Protest John McCain, RNC because of John McCain's opposition to the Community Choice Act

Health care group launches

Vic, Arlington, Va — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:43:31 GMT

The only reason it sounds that way is that the other side (McCain, Conservatives, Insurance Companies, Drug Companies) do not want health care to be affordable and for everyone. This is a threat to business as usual for an industry that consistently puts profit before people. I will support this group because no tax break will guarantee that I'll get the care I need when I need it.

Health care group launches

jus askin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:45:12 GMT

supporting health care for everyone, how dasterdly. so who is against health care for everyone, mccain or barack?

Health care group launches

LJ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:46:02 GMT

Someone has to get health care moving in the right direction so I'm glad to hear it's starting today! All we've ever heard is talk, talk, talk, blah, blah, blah from politicians and their arguing back and forth and getting nowhere. Someone has to do something and the bigger and more influential the group, the better. Elizabeth Edwards knows the importance of health care, maybe she can do for America what no politician has ever been able to do before, get health care for every man, woman and child in our Country who urgently needs it. It's about damn time! Go get 'em Elizabeth, give 'em hell!

Health care group launches

Jack Lynn-Towns, Upstate NY — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:50:36 GMT

People that don't produce demanding more stuff from the people that do produce.

There's going to be change, but not quite the one Obama and his merry band of liberals were envisioning.

Health care group launches

Elliott, Los Angeles CA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:51:13 GMT

With Congress getting a miserable nine percent approval rating I think the action that is being taken is very necessary.
There is a complete breakdown in leadership in this country and Congress has failed the American People for far too long. Something needs to happen and something needs to change...if it going to take a group like this to light a fire under those who are supposed to be working day to day on behalf of the American People...I say Hallelujah

Health care group launches

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:52:23 GMT

Ira, Freehold, NJ -- we are paying $5 a gallon for gas and are in a recession . . .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Both lies. You have no credibility.

But both will be true if Obama is ever President.
Gage Walker, Spokane WA (Sent Tuesday, July 08, 2008 2:26 PM)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Walker:
I don’t know what world you are living in but here in the good old USA, we folks in the northeast are paying over $5 a gallon for gas. The national average is over $4.10 and that does not include city and state taxes.
If you believe that this country is not in a recession, that the economy is just “slowing” as Senator McCain phrased it, then you must disagree with the vast majority of financial experts in this country. People like Warren Buffet and his ilk. They must be liars and be void of credibility also.
I really would love to live on the planet you reside on!

Health care group launches

The Don, Missouri — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:55:43 GMT

Ira,

Whether the group comprieses of McCain or Obama supporters, the ad, at least form my reading above, addreses an issue without taking sides, and sespecially without glorifying one side and demonizing the other. I woudl have no problem with 527's if they stuck to the issues they care about.

The NRA, for example, will have ads attacking Obama directly, and mentioning their support of MCain/Republicans.

527's should be promoting ideas and refrain form mentioning either party nominee by name.

Health care group launches

NObama — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:58:34 GMT

Move-on for one has promised to stay positive and I can not see that they would get involved in a coalition that was not willing to stay positive.
-----------
Kris in STL, please tell us where we can see for ourselves that moveon.org has promised to stay "positive." LOL on that one.

Health care group launches

Chare Driver, Mississippi — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:58:36 GMT

Ira does sound like an Obama supporter, but he knows a duck when he hears it quack. Election laws are being bypassed by these so called independent groups.

Health care group launches

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:00:31 GMT

First, read my posts today. I'm a passionate Obama supporter.

Second, I'm for universal healthcare but I prefer that the candidate define his position and not a 527 group. He does not need to defend what a 527 has to say.

Third, no matter how good the cause or reasonable the argument you can't have it both ways. You can't be against Swiftboaters for Truth and for favorable democratic ads. One set of rules for both.

Health care group launches

Ketrich Broderick — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:00:59 GMT

supporting health care for everyone, how dasterdly. so who is against health care for everyone, mccain or barack?

jus askin (Sent Tuesday, July 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

Apparently both. Only Hillary had a plan that was universal. What's she up to lately?

Health care group launches

nancy philadelphia — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:01:56 GMT

This does NOT fit Obama's plan or anyone elses. Obama has admitted that many people will fall through the cracks in his plan, and he has never stated how he's going to pay for it.

Universal health care is only universal if its mandated, and if those who can't afford it (I currently am paying 25% of my net income for a not very good group health insurance plan)

I don't mind paying something, but thats ridiculous. Ergo, I know people in this area who belong to a union who have 100% of a top of the line health plan paid for, not only for themselves but for all of their family members. One gentlemen has 12 people on his plan, he and his wife purposely took custody of 5 grandchildren to get them on.

I have worked my whole life. This is ridiculous.

Health care group launches

Just a Thought for a story — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:02:31 GMT

First Read: how about some analysis on the McCain claim about Obama raising taxes on people making over $32,000? True or Not True? This is pretty important, isn't it? Either McCain is lying or Obama is lying. Pretty big deal either way, isn't it?

Health care group launches

lizzyinseattle — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:11:37 GMT

just for the record . . . one member, moveon.org shut down it's 527 shortly after Obama announced distaste for them in all flavors.

I don't know if the other member organizations have 527s or not, but the consortium of orgs is not in and of itself a 527, or identical to a 527.

Also, Elizabeth Edwards, who preferred Clinton's plan 'cause it was pretty much a copy of Edward's plan, is working for a think tank, and has agreed to help the Obama campaign with research on health care possibilities.

This is the "real deal" . . . a bunch of very serious people putting their heads together to solve a serious National problem . . . sign me up, it's the America we always knew we could be. Looks like everyone is invited . . . not partisan.

Health care group launches

McCain Not Wearing Flag Lapel Pin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:14:30 GMT

JACK LYN
People that don't produce demanding more stuff from the people that do produce.

There's going to be change, but not quite the one Obama and his merry band of liberals were envisioning.

---------------------------------------------------
Now this really makes me angry. My husband and I are both holding down two jobs without any benefits. We are over 60. I almost couldn't write the check last month for health care - over $900. What do you suggest we do - get another job? Not enough hours in the day. All I ask for is AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE. But I'm sorry you must be the top 1% that get tax cuts.

Thanks for nothing you radical right winger.