President Obama Addresses Congress on Health Care Reform.
Looking to watch the President’s Health Care address to the Joint Session of Congress today? Head out to Democratic Party Headquarters at 2602 Fairbanks St. between Fireweed and Northern Lights. The speech starts at 4pm Alaska time.
There will also be a conference call with the President’s campaign manager David Plouffe that everyone can listen to after the address.
If you can’t be there, you can watch live at www.BarackObama.com. Either way, don’t miss this one. You can live blog it here, and I’ll put up a video when it becomes available.
There is also a petition going around ( it was sent by email ) that you can sign to send a message for Rep. Joe Wilson.
http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5649/t/4997/content.jsp?content_KEY=2825&tag=pof_e1
@ seattlefan – I wouldn’t link to her crap at all. Don’t give her the attention – what’s the point?
This link appears to work for those who want to contact Rep. Joe Wilson since his site is down.
http://www.house.gov/formwilson/IMA/issue.htm
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-to-a-Joint-Session-of-Congress-on-Health-Care/
Here is the whole speech.
Still a lot of work to do.
PO’s speech was excellent.
He’s a fighter….but not a dirty fighter like what we’ve been seeing from the right-wingnuts.
PO’s organization already sent me an email recapping the speech and asking me to sign a letter supporting reform. It will be sent to my legislators. I did it……and added a few choice words in the optional message box about stopping the lies and getting to work for the whole country.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hcsignon/?district=&returnlink=false
This is a summary of points. Coverage for everybody plus public option. Hoooray. Will look for link of complete speech next.
This guy is soooo brave. President Barack Obama. Sounds sweeeet!
Omg!
She has a new “ghost rebuttal” out on her FB. Here are the last two paragraphs:
“Finally, President Obama delivered an offhand applause line tonight about the cost of the War on Terror. As we approach the anniversary of the September 11th attacks and honor those who died that day and those who have died since in the War on Terror, in order to secure our freedoms, we need to remember their sacrifices and not demonize them as having had too high a price tag.
Remember, Mr. President, elected officials work for the people. Forcing a conclusion in order to claim a “victory” is not healthy for our country. We hear you say government isn’t always the answer; now hear us — that’s what we’ve been saying all along. ”
This really sounds like Karl Rove…I’m not kidding. These words are definitely not hers.
This statement by her is absolutely off the wall! I’m livid and I don’t go there much.
This is just beyond disgusting.
joe wilson’s opponent is Rob Miller.
Speaker Pelosi’s voice mail was also full. Sent her an email as she was obviously PO’d at Wilson also, too!
President Obama – wonderful, inspiring, just forceful enough speech.
rep joe wilson, s.c. (caps absent, he doesn’t deserve the respect) disrespected the President, Congress and the people of the United States.
I tried to send an email – his site “down for maintenance” tried to phone – still busy.
Checked in with Act Blue and as of now 1,117 Supporters, 37,449 Raised$ just since the speech! Yea
I just emailed President Obama expressing my support and urging him to not back down on the public option. Afterall, that IS the compromise and nothing less will be change. His speech was amazing and I told him as much.
Also sent emails to my Senators and my Congressman to please get this done. I bet they are getting tired of me. Tonight’s emails were my 4th in the last week.
I urge all you you to do the same. Our President and our Senators and Congresspeople need to know tonight how we all feel.
Ignore $P and her antics. Let’s concentrate on putting pressure and support where it needs to be.
🙂
P.S. Joe Wilson is probably toast. I emailed Nancy Pelosie urging censure and I tried to email Goober himself but got one of those “deamon failure” messages. Heheheh…..I’m guessing he is up to his arse in alligators about now. Good!
Elizabeth you are right. I am outraged that the decorum in a joint session of Congress with our President that WE elected, was broken by this jerk.
This is unprecendented. And to add insult to injury, his apology includes a statement that he disagrees with the President. In other words, he wants to apologize for being uncivil, but at the same time remind everyone that he thinks the President of the United States is LYING!
As some brilliant mind once asked: ‘Dude, where’s my country?”
He didn’t use her name, but Sarah was pwned tonite.
Sue and Sandi in Oregon – from another Oregonian –
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/plan/
Creates a new insurance marketplace – the Exchange – that allows people without insurance and small businesses to compare plans and buy insurance at competitive prices. The President’s plan allows Americans who have health insurance and like it to keep it. But for those who lose their jobs, change jobs or move, new high quality, affordable options will be available in the exchange. Beginning in 2013, the Exchange will give Americans without access to affordable insurance on the job, and small businesses one-stop shopping for insurance where they can easily compare options based on price, benefits, and quality.
Provides new tax credits to help people buy insurance. The President’s plan will provide new tax credits on a sliding scale to individuals and families that will limit how much of their income can be spent on premiums. There will also be greater protection for cost-sharing for out-of-pocket expenses.
Offers a public health insurance option to provide the uninsured and those who can’t find affordable coverage with a real choice. The President believes this option will promote competition, hold insurance companies accountable and assure affordable choices. It is completely voluntary. The President believes the public option must operate like any private insurance company – it must be self-sufficient and rely on the premiums it collects.
Immediately offers new, low-cost coverage through a national “high risk” pool to protect people with preexisting conditions from financial ruin until the new Exchange is created. For those Americans who cannot get insurance coverage today because of a pre-existing condition, the President’s plan will immediately make available coverage without a mark-up due to their health condition. This policy will offer protection against financial ruin until a wider array of choices become available in the new exchange in 2013.
Sue: hang in there. I think you are wrong. I really believe the plan is to have universal coverage, which includes help for the individuals and small businesses that cannot afford it. Really.
Keep in mind that I do not have insurance (for the first time in my 56 years) so this is a very personal topic to me, too.
#
88
Elizabeth Says:
September 9th, 2009 at 7:00 PM
I guess I’m just tired of all the incivility we’ve seen this summer. Its bad enough when “average” citizens act this way, but, increasingly, we’ve had to watch Members of Congress act like spoiled children. Tonight was just the topper. How do we teach our children to be respectful of others in this country?
*************
But they are spoiled children.
I guess I’m just tired of all the incivility we’ve seen this summer. Its bad enough when “average” citizens act this way, but, increasingly, we’ve had to watch Members of Congress act like spoiled children. Tonight was just the topper. How do we teach our children to be respectful of others in this country?
I like Barney Frank on Rachel’s show about Goober (Wilson): (I paraphrase) “Oh, well. I’m in favor of Free Speech. They (the R’s) are just so frustrated”.
In other words, we have bigger fish to fry than Goober. They are frustrated and this just shows how full-on-nuts they have become.
Another thing Frank said was that “We won” -this notion that we need to get all 50-50 bi-partisan is hooey. We need to go forward with our agenda. Don’t get distracted by the nut jobs. Get the job done.
Joe will get a cal from this boy if it takes a year
Just sent Joe Wilson an email explaining that I’m from Minnesota, so we’re used to being thoroughly embarrassed by our representatives (cough….. Michelle Bachmann), but that I thought he had made a thorough “Bachmann” of himself tonight with his completely disrespectful outburst. I may have also used the term “idiot” here and there.
Wilson made a weak apology. “This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill. While I disagree with the President’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the President for this lack of civility.”
Screw you, Wilson.
Here’s the Democrat opposing him: http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079
Let’s show him the love!
I will be calling representative Wilson’s office tomorrow. I could not access his email (I imagine it is swamped). I did fire off an email to boehner (sp) letting him know that the republican party looks like a bunch of sore losers and children. I also said I thought Wilson needs to give a public apology to the president and the American people.
Some of the Republicans looked like little punks smirking in the back of a high school English class.
The rest of them just looked constipated.
The President showed grace, intelligence and dignity, and made them look like badly behaved little children who need a time-out. I work with 5-year-olds and don’t allow them to be as disrespectful as some of those elected representatives were tonight.
Joe Wilson just gave us all permission to stand up and shout “You lie!” at every attempt he ever makes again at public speaking.
We need a speech like this about once every two weeks to shut these WingNuts up once and for all and keep them shut up for good.
@Sandra #76—Howdy! I’m from Oregon, too. : ) I didn’t get the impression that there would be ANY provision for those who had no income and could, therefore, not afford health insurance. I know that many states require car ins. to drive, but I do not know of any public provision to pay for such ins. when the driver is unemployed. I fear that my son and his family will continue to be uninsured under the Obama plan. It is better than nothing, but it will still leave most of us at the mercy of the ins. companies. By only allowing that 5%, who must be uninsured, to purchase the public option, Obama has left out any incentive for the private companies to lower their prices. I love President Obama, admire him, and pray for him and his family, but I find this health insurance plan to be weak and mostly ineffective. I’ll still vote for him in the next election unless he signs into law a bill without the public option.
#49 justafarmer, I told hubby I thought cantor was playing gameboy. What’s up with these dudes from SC? Sanford, Lindsey Graham , DeMint and now this idiot. What did he think, he was some cracker at a townhall meeting being paid by big insurance to make an *ss out of himself? I’d say this rude little boy needs to be becked. I’ll be busy on-line tomorrow, his *ss is grass.
Great post sandra in oregon. I was doing the same thing during the speech.
I made a post over at Huff but it is already buried (over 18,000 comments and growing). It was regarding Joe Wilson. Step aside Joe the Plumber….you are being replaced by Joe the Goober. 🙂
Eric Cantor was texting
Sue: I understood that in cases of hardship, insurance would be paid for. Mainly he wants to go after those who gamble on not needing insurance. The simile was with uninsured automobile drivers.
He did a great job of explaining what he wants. The details will be in the compromise between the Senate and the House.
I’m very glad he didn’t give in. I found myself applauding and yelling several times during the speech.
re: yelling out at our President—Those “shouters” would never have done that to a white President. The level of violence, anger, and rudeness shown by Republicans is fueled by racism. The Republicans are out to destroy Obama’s Presidency, not just his policies; they want to destroy him personally, too. They hate him because he is a black man. They are repulsive people.
OK–I think my post belongs here, instead.
Our President’s health plan will still leave millions of us without coverage. Those who are unemployed have no money with which to purchase any of the policies that will be available. He says that everyone will be required to buy insurance but that those who cannot afford it (i.e.–the unemployed who have zero income) will be exempt. This leaves them uninsured. The only morally right plan is a universal plan that will give everyone–employed or not–full coverage.
Fantastic speech and put me in tears too. If nothing else, maybe some will get the message that Ted Kennedy was plain and simply a GOOD MAN who really cared about the common folks – just as POTUS does.
@19 NY Dem – Looked at the e-bay listing for the domain name. The *seller* has only been an e-bayer since April of this year and only has 6 feedbacks – all for items he bought – I looked at the last 3 and whooooey – big spender! (just kidding) cell phone, dog shocking collar, and an e-book. The bit at the bottom states that most of the proceeds go to some organization to help teens who drink or whatever. Sure sounds phony to me – wonder how long before e-bay cancels the listing.
President Obama hit it out of the park. Many of the repugs acted like petulant schoolboys, certainly not adults. Who the heck was that who was texting during his speech?!?! What a twit!
Elizabeth Edwards on KO……what a voice of reason. I love her.
On another topic, “Goober” will be on Glenn Beck and Hannity tomorrow and will be the new poster boy for the tea baggers.
Goober is too nice..
KO just called Joe Wilson “Goober”…
my letter would be,
Joe Wilson, STFU, and act like an adult.
i imagine that wilson will be the hero of the wingnuts and get lots of airtime.
i’m sure that’s what he wanted.
http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Joe_Wilson.htm
just some more info on the fool who yelled out at my President.
couldn’t get through on any of Rep Wilson’s phones (sounds like lots of callers) so sent this email:
Dear Rep. Wilson,
I understand that you were the Representative that shouted “liar” during President Obama’s speech about health care this evening. Whether you agree or disagree with President Obama’s health care plan, you should behave in a civil respectful manner to our President. (Didn’t your mother teach you to be civil?) This is particularly important during a televised speech, when millions are watching.
I am embarassed for all Americans that people all over the world, while watching the speech, will hear your rude comments.
In addition, I am a middle school teacher. How do I justify telling my middle school, students that they shouldn’t yell out rude comments about others, when members of our government can behave so badly.
Wow! Over 17,000 comments on this over at Huffpo…..Most I’ve read are very favorable.
Joe Wilson. Paid for by big ins. co.
Congressman Joe Wilson’s office number is:
202-225-2452
taken off Hufffpo comments section
any idea which states the “demonstration health programs” (or something like that) will start? That’s what the President said he will direct Sebelius to implement tomorrow.
I thought our President was wonderful tonight!
what were some people in the chamber holding up waving in their hands and looking super smug about it?
Wilson WIki link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Wilson_%28U.S._politician%29
Joe Wilson from Wiki:
Addison Graves Wilson, Sr., usually known as Faggy Joe Wilson (born July 31, 1947) is Republican politician from the U.S. state of South Carolina, currently representing the state’s 2nd congressional district (map), in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district is based in the state capital, Columbia, and stretches to the resort towns of Beaufort and Hilton Head Island.
Joe Wilson from SC did it
thanks seattlefan, you answered my question while I was typing!
KO says it was somebody from South Carolina who yelled at the President “you’re a liar” or something like that.
Anyone hear who from SC that was?
Mudpups Mission: what repug screamed liar? We need to out him.
Other than that, I am really hoping that this incredible speech will make the ingnorants “SHUT UP” (How many times do we have to tell you – NO DEATH PANELS)
I got sick of seeing all the old white men with white hair sitting on their hands.
Great speech!
Congressman Joe Wilson of SC was the guy who yelled “You lie!” according to the AP
I so admire President Obama’s ability to keep his cool.
Whoever yelled during the president’s speech is going to get it from VP Biden.
I hope everyone will take a minute tomorrow to call Rep Joe Wilson’s office and tell him what you think of his yelling out that our POTUS is a “liar,”
List of DC & local numbers here (call them all if you have time!):
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132×8639912
I hope the prick gets censured.
and Cantor was texting away on his Blackberry while the President was speaking.
What a jerk…..
LOL! KO’s first words after Boustany ended was…he was sued 3 times for malpractice and a birther. I love Keith!
LOL! KO is bringing up Boustany’s trying to buy a British lord trial, and compared Boustany’s GOP response tonight to Jindal’s epic fail earlier this year
First thing I thought too farmer, as soon as I heard it. His “JFK” moment.
Can’t wait to hear the reviews of this wonderful speech.
And who were the Republicans that were disrespecting the President of the United States ?
They should be ashamed of themselves, for shouting out things like “you’re a liar” during the speech. What little respect I had for Republicans in Congress before tonight; after tonight, my respect level is zero towards Republicans in Congress.
Off to listen to Keith and panel for thier views.
He called Sarah Palin a Liar. GOOD for him!!! It’s about time. Even Charlie Gibson called her out!
Nyah Nyah… why don’t you go facebook that, you nasty old ex-nearly half term governor!!!???
#41 justa: You are so right! That will be his “ask not…..” moment.
wow, Pres Obama just tore Palin a new hole for Murdock to stuck his hand up. Nice. =)
Boustany………former “birther” (per Huff Post article)
that “we did not come here to fear….” is going to be one of the all time famous quotes
Vouchers for seniors? Just how much and who will cover sick old people when everyone knows that most healthcare costs are in the last months of life.
It’s like vouchers for schools. Manhattan private schools are all around $30,000 a year. a voucher for even $10,000 is laughable. Same for buying insurance in the private market for sick old people.
STUPID idea. Maybe this one IS hers.
I counted 43 applause interruptions, most of which were standing ovations.
“We did not come to fear the future; we came to shape it”.
OMG! What a master speaker he is. Brought tears to my eyes at the end.
I STILL BELIEVE!
– Pres. Barack Obama
we did not come here to fear the future, we came here to shape it
great oration right now…it’s amazing…the chamber is silent
protect medicare…yea
AND I MEAN UN-TIED !!!!!!
THROW OFF THE ROPES OF THE WINGNUTS DRAGGING US DOWN!!!!
The Rethugs are getting their asshats handed to them.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNTIED STATES OF AMERICA!!!
President says he will NOT let Medicare be privatized or turned into a voiucher system under his watch.
don’t know who yelled, but the yeller was male and said “You lie”….
sheesh
who just yelled out at the president????
Thanks, seattlefan! Finally got it on cspan… JUST in time to hear him call XINO a LIAR!!!!! BOOYAH!! Go, Mr. President!!
Bea
I understand you can watch it live at Whitehouse.gov.
Good luck!
GAH! Something’s screwy with my internet connection and I can’t get the speech on ANY of the networks or barackobama.com. GRRRR….
Woot woot! that’s our President! gosh, I love that man….Kick some … Mr President!
Michelle doesn’t look too happy.
For those who would like to discuss the Obama speech which is on in about 10 mins or so, we’re in the chat channel on the flats. 🙂
Just click on – The Mudflats Live Chat – in the top right hand corner of the forums.
See you there!
between Chuck Todd and Gibbs……..K street gets this before anyone? what the F is that telling us.
“Q The Finance Committee — well, actually, Senator Baucus’s draft has been now bouncing around for a few days on Capitol Hill. First, has the President seen it, his outline?
MR. GIBBS: I don’t believe anybody here has — we’ve seen what we’ve read in the paper, but I do not believe that we’ve seen paper on the plan, no. I understand it’s bouncing around on K Street, not surprisingly, but I have not seen it here.
Q Has there been any direct consultations between anyone at the White House and Senator Baucus, or anyone in the Group of Six since this outline began being floated on Sunday?
MR. GIBBS: I don’t know how far back that would go. We continue to talk to all the players involved. Obviously, you know Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid will be here momentarily. So he’s going to continue to talk all those involved.
Q What did you just mean by it’s “bouncing around K Street”?
MR. GIBBS: I was told that K Street had a copy of the Baucus plan, meaning, not surprisingly, the special interests have gotten a copy of the plan that I understand was given to committee members today. It wasn’t cryptic.
Q I mean, but who is that — are you impugning somebody here? I mean, it sounded like you were impugning, like, “Well, K Street has it.”
MR. GIBBS: K Street is normally where associations and lobbyists have their offices. I’m simply making a point to Chuck — (laughter) — that those people have gotten a copy of health care reform.
Q And why is that?
Q And you haven’t?
Q Is it Max Baucus gave it to them? Is it the other members of the committee gave it to them? What are you saying here?
MR. GIBBS: Call some of your lobbyist friends, Chuck. I don’t know how — we haven’t seen what was I think dispersed today, or what I’m told was dispersed today.
Q Are you saying K Street got it; you guys haven’t?
MR. GIBBS: Not surprisingly, yes.”
damn, I’m as good as justafarmer, I posted at #15 that the twit would be posting on her slambooK/facebook her useless two cents. Voila, look at AKM’s new thread. The “b” is becoming so predictable trying to stay relevant!
And another auction on EBay – buy the PresidentSarahPalin.com domain name !
A mere $700,000 is the opening bid (no bids yet)
http://cgi.ebay.com/President-Sarah-L-Palin-com-Premium-Domain-Name_W0QQitemZ280395099486QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4148d9ad5e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
will Prez veto a no public option bill? will he say that?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385×368465
Once the speech is over, or during the speech, will people be visiting the ‘ tree house ‘..?
Maybe after… since we want to make sure we don’t miss any part of it.
#10 Bystander, thanks! :-)- this will be hard to believe but greta posted a thread briefly stating that the rebuttal guy Rep Boustany from LA has received over 1.2 million from health and insurance interests, also tried to buy an English title. I don’t know guys, I think greta’s going all mavericky or rogue or something! I’m sure princess winky will be throwing in her two cents on her middle school slam book, oops facebook….
don’t expect just because President Obama talks our talk tonight that the Dems will walk our walk on the vote, demand it! Don’t let him or the Dems off the hook. Write the President, this is what I wrote:
President Obama,
I volunteered for you, I spent hours campaigning for you and the democrats in my state, I donated to you what I could in a failing economy, I voted for you and the democrats in my state. I THOUGHT WE WON. DID WE? OR DID YOU, ALL POLITICIANS AND MONEY.
I expect you to keep your campaign promises that I worked hard for. You need to demand public option and demand the democrats vote for those who voted you and them into office. They need to act like democrats, support you and all of us.
I am angry. I am disgusted. And I’ll be dammed if I am going to be used by any political party again. If you can’t get public option passed, I am making plans to leave this country because I will know your promising words meant nothing.
Very sincerely,
I posted this on the open thread, but perhaps it’s relevant here too. In the talking points that have been released Sarah Palin is the only Republican mentioned by name. The White House mentions the WSJ article and the Death Panel. She has already issued her “rebuttal” by..wait for it…Facebook.
I don’t know if they want to give her the legitimacy that they have. Yes she is ridiculous, but her groupies are salivating at the mere idea of an Obama vs Palin scenario. It is what they have always wanted and now they have it. Hope this doesn’t back fire on the White House. There are alot of Republicans involved in the Health Care issue, Senators and Representatives. Not Mrs. Palin.
O/T, but while you’re waiting for the speech go to ebay and check out “Dinner with Sarah Palin”. The disclaimers are a hoot!
I am bummed. I have a party I’m co-hosting tonight that has been planned for a month. I’m counting on you all to fill me in when I’m done. Thanks in advance.
JC#8 6 pm MDT for those of us in CO
Iaprof #6 The rebuttal is by un unknown GOP congressman who is a “birfer” and a “deafer” and tried to buy an English title of nobility from a con man.
I’ll leave to you to decide if he is crazier than Palin, or not. (“I could have really BEEN the Queen, said Sarah”). Crazy is the new norm in the GOP.
okay, here we go again. If it’s at 4:00 Alaska time, what time is it on in CO? I’m in Mountain daylight savings time….
As long as it isn’t followed by the dire “you have nothing to fear- but fear itself” speech by Churchill.
Old Scarah is probably frothing at the mouth that she can’t deliver the rebuttal. Then again, she probably is, in her own mind.
Typo correction:
(”Ask not what this country can do for you; Ask what you can do for this country”).
Previews are saying the President is going to knock this one out of the park.
It will be against the law to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.
It will be against the law to cancel coverage for any reason.
Public Option will be included and will begin in 2013 – possible trial programs could begin immediately, says Democrat James E. Clyburn of South Carolina and 26th Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives.
Sounds like the President is going to finally withdraw the olive branches he has offered to Republican leadership; President Obama is the leader of this country, he is going to push the envelope and take charge and we will hear a speech much like one of his campaign speeches.
I am greatly looking forward to it. I can almost envision a “John F. Kennedy” moment tonight (“Ask not what this country can do for you; Ask what you can for this country”).
This could be a speech that will go down in history much as JFK’s did.
Olbermann will follow the speech at 9:00 EDT; Maddow at 10 EDT.
We just need to get this done…
Enough of the side show freaks. The will of the people- and we voted him in. This could be a great moment- and watch for another distracting post from the ex-gov.
Thank you AKM…Can’t wait to hear our Pres. speech..
On public radio here in the slough, 4PM. Sock it to ’em, O.