The day after he unveiled his “Plan for a Healthy America,” Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois said substantial health care reform would only come if “we build a movement around the country for change.”
Um, senator, you are that movement. Now is the time. You don’t start out small and go big as you get more legit. In fact, the historical pattern is exactly the opposite. One most start out from an audacious position. (via)
What’s “troubling” is that Obama seems to be the only candidate getting heat for this when Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate offering a single-payer health plan. Perhaps the people criticizing Obama should put their money where their mouth is and start supporting Dennis. Unless they’re just hypocrites.
Yes, because Dennis Kucinich is a real credible candidate. Next you’ll be telling me the Great Kazoo has a plan.
Well, let’s see where Kucinich, a white man long in politics and anti-abortion until his 2000 run for prez, is in the polls, shall we? I volunteered, worked hard for Dennis in 00, I know of what I speak - disorganization and sloganizing that has little basis on reality as ‘tiz. W/all due respect, I think spouting ideals isn’t as good as getting to where you can actually realize them. I’m real cynical about the system - had to be to give up and go w/Dennis and before that independent third parties - but this time we’ve got someone real smart w/real conviction and a chance to get in. I wish we’d quit eating our own young to get attention and get to work instead.
Well, let’s see where Kucinich, a white man long in politics and anti-abortion until his 2000 run for prez, is in the polls, shall we? I volunteered, worked hard for Dennis in 00, I know of what I speak - disorganization and sloganizing that has little basis on reality as ‘tiz. W/all due respect, I think spouting ideals isn’t as good as getting to where you can actually realize them. I’m real cynical about the system - had to be to give up and go w/underdogs Dennis and before that independent third parties - but this time we’ve got someone real smart w/real conviction and a chance to get in. I wish we’d quit eating our own young to get attention and get to work instead.
But don’t you see that you’re doing the same thing that you criticize Obama for: Failing to be audacious enough and go for the best candidate/plan (Kucinich/Single Payer). Dennis is just as credible a candidate as single payer is a health care plan. Both can become realities if people stop saying they won’t ever happen and start working to make them happen.
“Perhaps the people criticizing Obama should put their money where their mouth is and start supporting Dennis. Unless they’re just hypocrites.”
“But don’t you see that you’re doing the same thing that you criticize Obama for: Failing to be audacious enough and go for the best candidate/plan (Kucinich/Single Payer).”
It is possible for someone to think one candidate is the best candidate overall and still agree with other candidates on certain issues.
What C.S. said. Even if I were an idealist I wouldn’t like Dennis Kucinich, so I don’t know where that’s coming from. Kucinich is just not a credible candidate out of the gate, for the same reason as Mike Gravel, Tommy Thompson and Ron Paul aren’t. There’s no conspiracy, it’s just the amount of people who would like to see them as president is really really small.
There’s nothing wrong with prodding a pol you like to do a better job. It isn’t tearing anyone down or helping the Republicans to constructively criticize someone. If he can’t take OW.Com (and there’s no indication he can’t) then he shouldn’t be running for President.
There are too many folks who have over-learned the last 15 years and think that we shouldn’t offer any critiques. That’s just dumb and doesn’t serve Democrats or the country well. I think Dems trashing Gore worked out badly, but I also think not offering any criticism of Kerry worked out horribly as well.
Like I said, the next Dem president is going to be in an historic place - nibbling around the edges of our great national problems ain’t gonna cut it.
Oliver, I think Obama is saying what he believes and is not merely being cautious. Billary tried health care reform without building consensus and that didn’t work too well.
I gather Sully isn’t your favorite pundit, but that’s a good thing — he remains a conservative, but is growingly impressed with Obama’s “candor”; even saying “We need this guy.” Obama can be the “uniter” Bush lied about wanting to be.
Which is not to say you shouldn’t keep boosting single-payer if that’s your conviction (it isn’t mine). I DO believe that employer-centric coverage has gotta go and that a universal coverage plan is needed, but that single-payer ain’t necessarily it. I think Obama “gets” this perfectly well.
Although Kevin Drum and Tim F. at Balloon Juice seem to side with you …
You’re missing my point. I don’t honestly feel real strong on the health care issue. My point is, if you are going to run yourself as the transformative candidate, barely nudging on an issue isn’t really up to snuff.