Health Care Fight: What's Next – Join the Live Chat
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Tonight on 360°, what's next in the battle over health care. Pres. Obama will sign the bill into law tomorrow. But a package of changes is headed to the Senate for reconciliation, where Republicans are vowing to do whatever they can do to stop it. We've got the raw politics. Plus, remembering a pioneering CNN photojournalist. Margaret Moth, 59, was fearless to the end.
Want more details on our health care coverage? Read EVENING BUZZ
Scroll down to join the live chat during the program. It's your chance to share your thoughts on tonight's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules.
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4) No links
5) Watch your language (keep it G-rated; PG at worst - and that includes $#&*)
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Ed,
I don't think that's the case. I think that is the face of the Republican party right now. I haven't heard a single Republican (Other than you Ed) denounce what was said on the steps of the capital today. My guess is we won't see it.
Drew
They never should have called it "healthcare" reform. Call it what it really is: "Health insurance reform"
@Ed Rollins,
Unfortunately, some think that this maybe a "short term" win for the Republicans! The economy will be better by November, and how are they going to argue against this bill?
When not one voted for it, (this is what people will remember), how are they going to argue against this bill when there will be parts that will seem to help out some that would have voted for them?
If Utah GOP AG gets his way with SCOTUS will I and millions of other people who have health insurance have to continue paying skyrocketing premiums to pay for medical care for the uninsured?
I think that the Health Care Bill is only one thing that needs to be changed. The costs of medical care, testing, and medications is completely out of line with the level of income most of us have to live with.
Has there been any action taking against the people who made racial slurs and spit at politicians?
I'm sick and tired of listening to the "insurance supporters", keep raping us!!! Anderson please talk on you show about how hard it will be for the republicans to keep smeering a good idea.
The republicans only care about the big insurance / medical monopoly's that feed $$$ into their pockets.
republicans don't care about the ordinary working people.
America wake up!!!
Republican has been saying we don't have the money for years for health care, and than turn around and bail out the banks for billion of dollars and counting. We have the money to take care of America health care for the people since we all love America!!
Just look at these guys in the Republican Party... they are still trying to figure out how to NOT get anything done. They seem to have but one agenda: to block everything so that they can get back into power. Could it be any clearer that their commitment is NOT to the American people but rather their commitment is to reaffirming themselves in power?!? Well, at least they have their slogan down pat for the next campaign: "NO WE WON'T"!
I don't like the fact that the conservatives continue to say the Dem's are morgaging our future. What about the last 8 years? The GOP increased the national debt from 5.6 Trillion to 10.6 Trillion in 8 years. That is 5 Trillion dollars in 8 years by the GOP. The health care bill is 1 trillion over 10 years. Can anyone do the math?
I hope, with the passage of this bill, that there is not turning back from the notion that you have a social responsibility to care for the health of your citizens.
Your constitution speaks of the "right" to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Does this not imply, by the "right to life", that this means the right to proper medical care, throughout your life, from birth to grave. And can you pursue happiness if you are sick? or facing bankrupcy because you are sick and need medical care.
@emily – i didn't think you meant ALL republicans and neither did i.
however, the tea party combined with the behavior of Some republicans is tarnishing the party.
Ed with other republicans have quckley forgotten the monies out the door the last 8 years. I also believe he is outraged at the comments but has no comments on the cheering on of the crowds, slapping the pic of Pelosi, and other Rep. actions from the balconies and microphones
Repeal = pipe dream. TWO THIRDS OF BOTH CHAMBERS are required to overturn a veto, and that's only if they could even get a repeal bill through and on Obama's signing table in the first place. The math just isn't there. Not enough Dems are up for re-election in November for the GOP to come anywhere close to 67 in the Senate and 2/3 of the House.
I hear all these Republicans talking about Democrats mortgaged our kids future with the cost of this healthcare bill. They didn't care to send us to war under the last regime. A war that has already cost us as much as healthcare will – nearly $1 trillion and probably cost another $1 trillion before it's over. Where's the logic?
Any Congressman who votes based on winning the next election, has no business being in Congress.Their job is to serve the American people, not run for the next election. Those who promote or suggest this is doing a disservice to the American people
Anderson – Will you please ask these top Republican leaders, who claim to be Christian, why they are so opposed to helping the less fortunate, by providing healthcare for all? Where is the disconnect? Jesus teaches to care for the poor, help those less fortunate. Why the hypocrisy?
Healh Care Reform had to happen instead of talking about Health Care Reform For Decades. As a Middle Class guy I currently spend more on Health Care then my House Payment. Health Care Reform needs to start with cost control regulating charges for procedures to bring over all cost down for all longterm.
Hey renee, RN- Ohio, Happy to see your working and making money, WOW, You really are outstanding, I bet you are the head of the entire hospital nursing staff.. wait no... your not. Do you relize that 42% of American physicians are going to quit practice. You think this is great, a life changing experience you have been part of, WOW, I was like there.... well it all rolls down hill, you make what $50.00 an hour, cut that to 12.50 an hour. Hope you like the job as an RN, with this economy and the states having to put up the $$$$ for health care, I hate to say it but the democratic policy has just busted your future.
If we had rely on the polls both Reagan and Clinton would not have reelected.
I keep hearing how unconstitutional it is to force citizens to buy this health insurance....however, I found out that if I had not signed up for medicare in the same year that I turned 65 I would be fined for the rest of my life as to what I would pay for medicare.. I have not yet signed up for medicare. I had decided not to retire until I was 68 and so I assumed, and we all know what happens when one ass umes anything, that I would sign up for medicare at the same time I retired..A friend told me differently, alas too late. Do not try and tell me that there has never been a forced buy of a product before this plan...try social security and medicare. Sorry the semantics just don't hold up to scrutiny. M
If I don't have a car I don't have to buy automobile insurance. Yet I can't avoid the fact that I am mortal and need some form of prevent care in order to avoid more expensive procedures in the future. One is a choice, the other in unavoidable.
Let's not forget the impact that hundreds of millions of health insurance corporate ad's have splashed across America for months now in regards to the disappointing polls. A poll taken in 1-3 months is going to be more favorable.
The HCRB may be in satisfactory condition but it needs to be tweaked. By the time it's been tossed about from senate to house to senate ..what fixes can be expected? Ins. comps. can deny and pay a$100.00 fine per day? Ins. reform? If true, this alone is: situation critical. So what are the other known tweak issues? What should have been inclusive was a Public Option. Have to ride it out...Stay Healthy.
@TJ, NJ, you could just as easily say that Democrats, by voting in a program that will cost trillions, don't care about their country.
GOP strategery: keep this issue front and center for as long as possible in order to millk it for November. Public opinion: move on to more of the important business the country needs addressed.
Guaranteed. Preventing Congress from moving on and further constipating our legislative process by trying to keep their opposition alive as long as possible will be the "GOP's Waterloo."
Ed Rollins as if republicans have not spent the future little ones future in to oblivion...come on...why is okay for republicans to do something yet democrats no
This bill is against our constitution! I guess they forgot that when they drew up the bill.
It is one more dig into the American peoples pocket books.
A very sad day for americans.
@Jerri
Thank you for your kind words. I know that all Republicans haven't behaved so badly, but the party as a whole seems to be falling apart.
Sell! Sell! Sell!
Hi Anderson,
Just curious why I keep here about the poll that was taken before the vote. I took the poll after and President Obama was leading in support. Why are you not taking about the post poll?
Who're they polling- the people at the tea parties?
@Starr,
I don't think that all the Republicans were name calling, etc. They are the ones that get much of the attention, of course, by the masses. I was really disappointed with that behavior. It's not appropriate by anyone, and I find it very disrespectful. (esp by ones that have been elected)
I'm a black IT professional and a musician in my church. And it is strange to me that no one that I know or interact with has ever been asked to participate in a political opinion poll. Why is that? Who are the American people that are always mentioned?
Congratulations to all my neighbours to the south...I guess all my neighbours aren't pleased. To me they 're the ones who fight progress tooth & nail.. What a shame...do the Republicans only enjoy the words negativity,anger,hate because from my side of the street that's what I heard. Those town hall meetings last summer were horrific. It brought the worst in people.....it's a miracle noone was seriously injured. I still read Americans degrading their president...you're lucky you have him ...he's trying to improve Americans lot in life.Maybe the Republicans are afraid their campaign contributions might lessen because the ins.co. profits might lessen. In the last 2 wk. I've had to have 2 carotid dopplers, a doppler done on my leg. Transportation by ambulance to hospital overnight stay in hospital, bloodwork done times 3 ....all for the cost of ZERO!!! Yes, we have what the Republicans call that EVIL universal healthcare...our country isn't bankrupt yet!!!
@Robin in Tampa, FL
Well said, most of the complaints haven't used our health care, they just like to complain.
Don't forget, Big Oil has the Republican party in their pocket, I wouldn't be surprised if Big Oil suddenly started their next round of price gouging of American citizens, as they feel they have us over their barrels.
It's a great day for the citizens of the US. Yes I am for the health care that just passed. There are more people that wanted it and know that we need it than not. After this horrible Republican hold out I have just re registered as a Independent. I can not believe that the GOP would not co operate with the Democrats to try to help the people. Unfortunately the GOP turned this into a political ball. Well while they did just that I left the Republican party. As for the abortion debate, as a pro choice voter, use my taxes to help these woman. No abortion then no Viagra.
I also agree with Dana Bash and Paul Begala's comment are absolutely right about healthcare..... 🙂
I don't get it...do the Republicans want to keep the donut hole and cause seniors to pay more for their own medicines? Are Republicans really working for the American public in this process? This isn't rocket science.
Anyone know which antenna on the stanard issue GOP tinfoil hat receives the "delay' commands and which one receives the "obstruct" commands?
That's why we have checks and balances. If the Democrats promised the donut hole would close but in fact only closes partially and not until 2020 then the Republicans have every right to ask for an amendment. Same with all other discrepancies.
@ renee, thanks. I cried when I saw the voting last night, I love the U.S. love the music, love the series, love so much about the States. Years ago I got interested and stayed fascinated. I get a lot of critisism over that from people here sometimes. Then I say to which mucic do you listen what series do you watch etcetera. Why are we in Afganistan? The U.S. was till last night on the health care in some ways a third world country, though you have the best healthcare knowledge and research.... in the world
@Dulcie-Denver-
Sad to say but in parts of CT, NY and CA the cost of living is so great $250k is considered middle to upper-middle class.
@Anderson (sorry only some of my caps work),
if the republicans block the revisions to the health care reform bill, won't they be defeating themselve?
the American people will blame them, if they block reforms and we are stuck with the original bill and all of it' s errors.
arguing over furniture...LOL if i havent said it before tonight yet I will say it again I love Paul Begala
Thank you Nicole that is most likely more true =)
even if the "donut-hole" gets closed, it would still be a donut, and the hole would still be there, but very very small. in order to change the situation, it needs to be something other than a donut. remove the donut hole and you get a sphere (which SHOULD be a balanced situation).
always enjoy paul begala's comments!
Compare the new law to car insurance. It is a law that we all carry "Under Insured and.... UN-Insured Motorists insurance, ........
That's right we pay car insurance for people who do NOT have the priveledge to drive>>> WHY becuase if they do drive and get in an accident, someone has to pay for it.
States mandates that we cover every man woman and child even if they do not have a license or insurance of their own.
There is no difference in this law and what was just past.
I'm so happy for you at this historic moment. As a Canadian, I'd just like to offer a little support. I believe Canada had a rough time in the beginning before universal health care became the right of every Canadian citizen many years ago. It was highly controversial at the time, but now, you have a hard time finding one Canadian who doesn't appreciate it (even conservatives!). Change is hard, but don't let fear and division take your eyes from the ultimate goal. You can always make changes as you go if things aren't working. Give it some time. After all, you are all Americans. You are united behind your troops, you are united behind your Olympians, and you are united behind your past accomplishments. Let this gesture of taking care of your neighbors be the next best accomplishment by the United States of America.
The rest of the world is cheering for you. Go America Go!