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Why Obama is failing on health reform
28 Jul 2009 09:57 am
From a new FT
column:
Recent setbacks are real, but it must be emphasised,
first of all, that some kind of health reform is still likely to pass. For the
Democratic party to come up with nothing under these circumstances would be an
act of self-harm remarkable even by its own standards. The Democrats would be
seen as incapable of governing. Essays describing the long-term leftward
realignment of US politics in 2008 would have to be trashed, less than a year
after that supposed electoral earthquake.
Precisely because it would be such a catastrophe, the
Democrats - surely - cannot let it happen. At worst, a scaled-down reform can
be put together. So long as it provides a substantial widening of insurance
coverage, along with the taxes and/or savings to balance the books, the party can
claim victory and retreat. Perhaps this is where Senate Democrats may soon be
heading and, with little alternative, House Democrats might be willing to
follow. In this limited sense, Mr Obama is right when he says, "Don't bet
against reform."
But the question remains, why under these uniquely
favourable circumstances has the process run into such trouble? In my view it
is not because the US rejects the case for comprehensive health reform. The
fault lies with the president, and his strange failure to lead.
Yes! I very much enjoy reading your commentary, Mr. Crook.
It seems that the Obama people like to float ideas in the public square first before they act on things. Could health care reform be another example? I am reminded of the gay rights issue where Obama wanted to build support among Congress and the public before he went out on a limb to support their causes.
Maybe Obama wants progressive Democrats in Congress to get the message that the public is more worried about cost and deficit spending more than they are about insuring the uninsured.
The president is trying to lead an obstinate mule of a Congress. Any attempt to prod from behind will hasten self-destruction. People need to promise their representatives defeat at the polls if reform fails this time.
It is difficult to lead when members of ones own party refuse to follow.
Uh, no. The problem isn't President Obama. The problem is Congressional Democrats who are running scared at the Republicans yapping at their heels. Moses would be sorely tested to get Congressional Democrats to the Promised Land. Some (like Baucus) would be in Pharaoh's pocket. Others (like the Blue Dogs) would be saying, "Slow down. We don't know what's in this Promised Land. Things weren't that bad in Egypt."
Absolutely true and very disappointing. I once thought he knew what he was doing, had something up his sleeve---: sorry, --nothing.
Interesting article. You may be right on the leadership angle, although my though is that Obama, like Napoleon, starts a general skirmish and when he sees the potential breaking point in the enemy lines, throws all his weight behind it. So, we may yet see the big O come out swinging.
The one thing I can not disagree with enough is your end statement about the American Center and Obama needing to message for them. Don't confuse the mid ideological point in Congress for the mid ideological point of the American people. The blue dogs and Ben Nelsons of America respresent their donors and lobbyist friends far more than the average American. In backing universal publically funded health care, ie a public option, Obama is right in the middle with his centrist supporters.
The fault lies with the president, and his strange failure to lead.
That's not entirely correct. Obama has been too hung up on trying to get a bipartisan bill. And trying to please the Broder-ites in the process. Lets face it, he should be worrying about Republicans as a last resort. If a "Medicare for all" bill came to a vote in the Senate, my guess is that he'd get 4 or 5 Senate Republicans to vote for it with out even whipping them(in Senate parlance). Why? Cause they don't want to be on the wrong side of history. He's never going to get any more than that, if he gets any at all. Republicans aren't going to get any credit if it is successful so why would they support it?
Too many tails wagging the dog?
Why shouldn't something so massive take more time? Neither the president, not Congress are at fault for having so far failed to yield a comprehensive approach to the Federal assumption of a very large part of our economy. Why can't all voices be heard, different policies hashed out and unintended consequences searched for?
Its a big deal, take your time President & Congress.