HEALTH CARE REFORM: Moment of truth has arrived

COMMUNITY — By MainStreetMantra Desk on September 9, 2009 at 1:26 pm
IMPORTANCE OF BABY STEPS

IMPORTANCE OF BABY STEPS

President Barack Obama has said he intends “to get something done this year” on healthcare reform. In an interview for ABC News ahead of his key speech to Congress, he said he was open to new ideas and would not be “rigid or ideological”.

Mr Obama said the speech would offer “a lot of clarity about what I think is the best way to move forward”. Members of Congress are preparing to fight over the details of the reforms, as they return after the summer recess. The president is expected to speak about the politically divisive option of having a publicly run insurance scheme.

When asked if Americans will find out in his speech whether or not he is willing to sign a healthcare reform bill without a public scheme, he said: “Well, I think the country is going to know exactly what I think will solve our healthcare crisis.” Mr Obama said the speech will be directed at the American people, as well as members of Congress.

At stake for the president: getting Democratic factions on board with his plan and convincing Americans of the need for health care reform. “Wednesday night’s health care speech may be one of the toughest he has faced,” said David Gergen.

Obama, for the most part, has issued broad reform ideas, but he has left most of the specific legislative details to leaders in Congress, who have faced sometimes contentious negotiations.

GOP strategist Ed Rollins said that Obama must be “clear and very honest” with Americans on the specifics.

Donna Brazile, a Democratic strategist, added that Obama must speak to the uninsured on what he’ll support and show Americans how he’ll “help them find insurance and keep insurance.”

Some have even deemed it one of the key legislative speeches of his presidency to date.

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