Obama calls for Universal Health Coverage by end of first term

[WI_DEM]

"I am absolutely determined that by the end of the first term of the next president, we should have universal health coverage in this country...we can't afford another disappointing charade in 2008, 2009, 2010--it's not only tiresome, it's wrong."

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8MSHI182.htm

[SoCalDem]

1. My problem with the "kick it forward" promises?

IT NEVER HAPPENS..

What if FDR had said, we'll have social security or the WPA by 1950?

Bold programs have to be fast-tracked. We can always manage to fast-track TRADE programs or WARS...but somehow, when it comes to the health, education or well-being of the public, the public always has to watch that dangling carrot (after the next election, we promise !)

This is the same tactic the right has used with the evangelicals and even they finally seem to be catching on.

Universal health care is DO-ABLE, but we need the bold action to put it FIRST...not last.

[WI_DEM]

2. It sounds like what he's promising to attempt to do in his first term

it seems like that is what any candidate does. It took FDR several years to get social security too. I have no problem with this. He just better follow thru if he's elected.

[DaveJ]

4. I must be naive

I'm glad to hear it. It's also a good strategy because I think even more moderates and even Republicans are starting to want a health care system.

A lot of Republicans say that Democrats have had 40+ years to create universal healthcare -- why haven't they? I'm also getting tired of that. We need to end this problem once and for all.

[liberalpragmatist]

3. He doesn't actually put forth a plan

But at least he recognizes the goal. Hopefully he'll put forward an actual plan later in the campaign (I expect he will). It's still early, so I understand why he doesn't have a detailed white paper out yet; after all, who does?

[WI_DEM]

6. Yes, the pressure will be on by the candidates, voters and media

to put forth a plan.

[Luckyduck]

7. Kucinich does

Kucinich Renews Pitch For Universal Health Care: Bill reintroduced
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x39251

...and none of the candidates should be claiming to support Universal Health care unless they have an actual plan because many of the plans end up supporting the insurance companies.

[Nutmegger]

5. Universal health care or single payer health care?

There is a difference.

[endarkenment]

8. yes but I believe he is playing word games.

He has yet to make it clear what exactly he means by UHC. It appears he does not mean single payer medicare for all UHC, but instead 'romney care' mandated purchases of private health care. As far as I am concerned this is triangulating corrupt bullshit. On the other hand if Obama can make it clear that he means single payer not-for-profit medicare for all, then I take back everything I just said.

[Benhurst]

9. Exactly. And the Democrats need to push for it NOW. So what

if it is passed and Bush vetoes it and it can't be overridden? The American people want it, and there could be no better foundation upon which to wage the elections of 2008.

Single payer not-for-profit health care NOW!

[Luckyduck]

10. Obama should introduce the Kucinich-Conyers bill in the senate

if he really means it...