I thought it was Obama's finest hour as president thus far.
He was forceful and determined. He called the lie about pulling the plug on old folks for what it is: He said, "It's a lie, plain and simple."
He was respectful, giving credit to all who had worked on the bills, including parts of the plan he has taken from John McCain's campaign, as well as some other Republicans.
But he didn't pull any punches in citing those who would rather kill the reform for political gain rather than provide health care for the American people.
He gave just enough of the key points of the plan, without going over into wonkish details.
He included the public plan option and made a strong case for it -- without saying it was a must have item.
He added in measures to improve the malpractice insurance costs, something that has been largely missing from the proposed bills and which may bring in a few more moderates.
He framed health care reform as a moral issue and as being about the character of the American people.
And his ending with bringing in Ted Kennedy's vision and his work through the years was moving.
It was masterful. I'd put it on a par with his Philadelphia speech on race, at least.
Ralph
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Of great importance is the fact that Obama referred to it as "my plan." He was proposing a new plan. He thanked the committees that had put forth their bills, and he said this is further than we have ever gotten before toward reform.
ReplyDeleteBut, essentially, he was presenting his plan. He was taking charge of the debate.
He didn't make a big point of that, but it was in his language.