Clinton Up With New Ad
(CBS)
Text of the ad: "She changed our thinking when she introduced universal health care to America. She changed the lives of six million kids when she championed the bill that gave them health insurance. And she changed future generations by pushing the drug companies to lower the cost of vaccinations. Now she has a health care plan that lets you keep your coverage if you like it, provides affordable choices if you don't and covers every American. So if you?re ready for change, she's ready to lead."
Clinton's Health Care Push
Hillary Clinton appeared on the "Early Show" this morning to discuss her newly-unveiled health care plan.
"What I'm going to do is put forth a plan that is based on a very simple proposition: If you like what you have now, you keep it," said Clinton. "You keep your doctors, you keep the hospitals you like, nothing will change."
"But if you are one of the 47 million uninsured or if you think you can get a better policy at a cheaper rate that will do more for you and your family, we're going to give you a new health choices menu," she continued. "You'll be able to go into the same system that members of Congress use to get the kind of range of choices and quality that you should have in your health care."
Harry Smith brought up the price of Clinton's plan – saying it cost more than anyone else's – and mentioned that it depends on rolling back the Bush tax cuts, "sacred ground for Republicans." Clinton responded by invoking her husband's presidency:
"The economy did extremely well, as I think we all remember, in the 1990s, when the wealthiest of Americans did a pay a little bit more in income tax," she said. "And under the plan that I have, I will let the Bush tax cuts on the wealthiest of Americans expire. But actually, I only get half of what I put into this health care plan from letting those tax cut expire. The other half comes from savings in the system."
Click on the video box to watch the full interview.
"What I'm going to do is put forth a plan that is based on a very simple proposition: If you like what you have now, you keep it," said Clinton. "You keep your doctors, you keep the hospitals you like, nothing will change."
"But if you are one of the 47 million uninsured or if you think you can get a better policy at a cheaper rate that will do more for you and your family, we're going to give you a new health choices menu," she continued. "You'll be able to go into the same system that members of Congress use to get the kind of range of choices and quality that you should have in your health care."
Harry Smith brought up the price of Clinton's plan – saying it cost more than anyone else's – and mentioned that it depends on rolling back the Bush tax cuts, "sacred ground for Republicans." Clinton responded by invoking her husband's presidency:
"The economy did extremely well, as I think we all remember, in the 1990s, when the wealthiest of Americans did a pay a little bit more in income tax," she said. "And under the plan that I have, I will let the Bush tax cuts on the wealthiest of Americans expire. But actually, I only get half of what I put into this health care plan from letting those tax cut expire. The other half comes from savings in the system."
Click on the video box to watch the full interview.
Fred's Take On Clinton Health Care Plan
In a video posted on Fred Thompson's campaign Web site today, the former Tennessee senator gives us his take on Hillary Clinton's recently unveiled health care proposal. Thompson called the proposal "enough to make you sick," reports CBS News' John Bentley. Thompson attacked the provision of her plan that would could possibly require job applicants to prove to their employers that they have health insurance. "That kind of mindset is that the government knows best and if you don't agree, then you're just going to have to pay for it, one way or the other," he said. "To some Democrats, choice to them is like a cross is to a vampire - they don't like to see it coming down the road."
Thompson has said many times in his stump speeches that he wants to get rid of employment based insurance and "let people tailor their own insurance needs to what they need." He also advocates letting people have more choice in the marketplace and says he would encourage more competition in the health care arena if he is elected president. "We have the best health care in the world," he said "and we need to expand choice, not punishment." But Thompson has yet to lay out specific plans to help accomplish these ideas.
Thompson has said many times in his stump speeches that he wants to get rid of employment based insurance and "let people tailor their own insurance needs to what they need." He also advocates letting people have more choice in the marketplace and says he would encourage more competition in the health care arena if he is elected president. "We have the best health care in the world," he said "and we need to expand choice, not punishment." But Thompson has yet to lay out specific plans to help accomplish these ideas.
GOP Rivals Go After Romney Over Mass. Health Care Plan
(AP)
Why today? November 15 happens to be the deadline for Massachusetts residents to sign up for an insurance plan or else face tax penalties. As the Associated Press notes, this follows earlier incentives to sign up for coverage, such as an expansion of subsidized health care by the state, and a requirement for private insurers to offer less expensive policies.
Fred Thompson has struck the harshest blow so far. In a release today, after noting that Massachusetts residents face an average fine of $219 this year and $2,000 over the next year, the campaign points out that Romney's plan has a $50 co-pay for abortions and says "Mitt Romney's plan covers ALL abortions – no restrictions."
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Romney: Health Care For All Americans In Four Years
(AP)
Addressing an audience composed mainly of medical students and professionals at Des Moines University on Tuesday, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney delivered a detailed policy speech on health care. Along the campaign trail, Romney often demonstrates a firm grasp on the nuances of the issue, but this speech provided something new: a prediction that it would take no more than four years to get every American insured under his plan.
"I just want to underscore something — we can get everybody in this country insured," Romney said. "My plan is designed to get everybody in this country insured. My estimate is that from the time you would put in place this program—pass the legislation necessary to put in place this program — within four years every American would be insured."
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Clinton Discusses Universal Health Care Enforcement Options
One of the big questions surrounding Hillary Clinton's universal health care plan has been the question of enforcement. That is: How will she mandate that all Americans pay for their health care?
On ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, Clinton provided some clues to how she might do so. "We will have an enforcement mechanism, whether it's [garnishing people's wages] or it's some other mechanism through the tax system or automatic enrollments," she said.
Clinton further noted that "there are a number of mechanisms" that could be used, including "going after people's wages, automatic enrollment."
As the Associated Press notes, "Clinton said such measures would apply only to workers who can afford health coverage but refuse to buy it, which puts undue pressure on hospitals and emergency rooms."
Clinton's Democratic rival, Barack Obama, offers a plan that mandates health care coverage only for children and leaves some Americans uninsured. (Obama puts that figure at 3 million, while Clinton suggests it's closer to 15 million.)
Clinton has long resisted articulating an enforcement mechanism for mandating universal health care, which has prompted criticism from the Obama campaign. "Without an enforcement mechanism, there is no mandate," Obama has said.
Responding to Clinton's comments on Sunday, Obama spokesman Bill Burton said Clinton "again refused to directly answer the question" of enforcement.
On ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, Clinton provided some clues to how she might do so. "We will have an enforcement mechanism, whether it's [garnishing people's wages] or it's some other mechanism through the tax system or automatic enrollments," she said.
Clinton further noted that "there are a number of mechanisms" that could be used, including "going after people's wages, automatic enrollment."
As the Associated Press notes, "Clinton said such measures would apply only to workers who can afford health coverage but refuse to buy it, which puts undue pressure on hospitals and emergency rooms."
Clinton's Democratic rival, Barack Obama, offers a plan that mandates health care coverage only for children and leaves some Americans uninsured. (Obama puts that figure at 3 million, while Clinton suggests it's closer to 15 million.)
Clinton has long resisted articulating an enforcement mechanism for mandating universal health care, which has prompted criticism from the Obama campaign. "Without an enforcement mechanism, there is no mandate," Obama has said.
Responding to Clinton's comments on Sunday, Obama spokesman Bill Burton said Clinton "again refused to directly answer the question" of enforcement.
New Clinton Ad Casts Health Care As "Obligation"
The Clinton campaign has unveiled a new 30-second television ad, "Obligation," to be aired in Wisconsin, where voters go to the polls on Feb. 19th. The obligation in question? Universal health care.
"She fought for universal health care, long before it was popular," an announcer says in the spot. "Got health insurance for six million kids and expanded access to health care for the National Guard. Now, she's the only candidate for President with a plan to provide health care for every American."
Clinton rival Barack Obama offers a health care plan that would cover many Americans but leave some uninsured. Clinton has vowed to cover all Americans, though she has not specified an enforcement mechanism for making people pay for their health care.
"A top economist calls Hillary's plan, 'the difference between achieving universal health coverage and falling far short,'" the announcer continues. "If you believe health care is America's moral obligation, join her."
"She fought for universal health care, long before it was popular," an announcer says in the spot. "Got health insurance for six million kids and expanded access to health care for the National Guard. Now, she's the only candidate for President with a plan to provide health care for every American."
Clinton rival Barack Obama offers a health care plan that would cover many Americans but leave some uninsured. Clinton has vowed to cover all Americans, though she has not specified an enforcement mechanism for making people pay for their health care.
"A top economist calls Hillary's plan, 'the difference between achieving universal health coverage and falling far short,'" the announcer continues. "If you believe health care is America's moral obligation, join her."
Starting Gate: Are You Experienced?
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Clinton lashed out at Obama over the weekend, accusing his campaign of sending out a misleading direct mail piece claiming that her health care proposal would force Americans to buy health care insurance whether they can afford to or not. "Shame on you, Barack Obama," Clinton told reporters Saturday. "It is time you ran a campaign consistent with your messages in public - that's what I expect from you."
For months, Clinton has raised differences in their competing health care proposals, seeking an advantage on an issue near the top of voter concerns and to highlight the experience she claims would make her a more effective president. Unlike Clinton, Obama's plan does not mandate that all adults be covered, a point she brings up at nearly every debate. Clinton's insistence that any approach to health care reform that does not start out with universal coverage is doomed to fail is designed to communicate a central message of her campaign – she knows the ways of Washington and can accomplish what Obama cannot.
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Dueling Ads Take On McCain's Health Care Plan
John McCain is discussing his health care plan this week, saying he wants to put "individuals and families back in charge, and [force] companies to respond with better service at lower cost." His new ad spotlights his proposal for a $5,000 refundable tax credit for every family, "so that they can go out across state lines and get the insurance policy that suits them best." (For the full script, see Starting Gate.)
Here's McCain's ad, in which the candidate himself makes his case:
There's another ad out today about McCain's health care plan, though it offers a very different message. Just consider the way the Service Employees International Union bills the spot in a press release: "SEIU BEGINS NATIONAL TV ASSAULT ON MCCAIN'S TERRIBLE HEALTHCARE 'PLAN.'"
The spot, which is running in Ohio and the District of Columbia, features what appear to be medical professionals discussing their jobs. "Our next president has to get health care costs under control," says one. Cue an announcer: "Like President Bush, John McCain won't stop rising health care costs. McCain opposed common sense ideas like letting seniors buy prescriptions through Medicare. And he joined Bush to oppose health care for children."
Watch it:
Here's McCain's ad, in which the candidate himself makes his case:
There's another ad out today about McCain's health care plan, though it offers a very different message. Just consider the way the Service Employees International Union bills the spot in a press release: "SEIU BEGINS NATIONAL TV ASSAULT ON MCCAIN'S TERRIBLE HEALTHCARE 'PLAN.'"
The spot, which is running in Ohio and the District of Columbia, features what appear to be medical professionals discussing their jobs. "Our next president has to get health care costs under control," says one. Cue an announcer: "Like President Bush, John McCain won't stop rising health care costs. McCain opposed common sense ideas like letting seniors buy prescriptions through Medicare. And he joined Bush to oppose health care for children."
Watch it:
Voila! Health Care Problem "Solved"
As the Democratic and Republican candidates debate their respective health care plans, a U.S. Census Bureau report on poverty released Tuesday contained some mildly optimistic news about health coverage in the U.S. in 2007, when the number of people lacking health insurance dropped for the first time since President Bush took office.
The Census Bureau said 45.7 million people - 15.3 percent of the population - were uninsured in 2007; that's down from 47 million in 2006. Most of the increase in people with insurance coverage was due to government health insurance coverage, with little change in the number of those covered by private health insurance.
In Texas, about one of every four residents (24.8 percent) were uninsured in 2006-2007.
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The Census Bureau said 45.7 million people - 15.3 percent of the population - were uninsured in 2007; that's down from 47 million in 2006. Most of the increase in people with insurance coverage was due to government health insurance coverage, with little change in the number of those covered by private health insurance.
In Texas, about one of every four residents (24.8 percent) were uninsured in 2006-2007.
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The Finish Line
With the campaign (almost) in the history books, Horserace has come to the end of the 2008 trail. For the past fifteen months, the political reporters and producers from CBS News and CBSNews.com have followed every detail of this historic and unprecedented political year. After all the campaign stump speeches, the ads, gaffes, fundraising and, of course, the polls, the racing is over and the hard work of governing is about to begin.
With the tireless help of CBSNews.com's Brian Montopoli and Kevin Hechtkopf and loads of assists from all the correspondents, producers and off-air reporters from CBS News, we helped guide you though the maze of the never-ending primaries, delegate counts, conventions and Election Night.
But just because the campaign is over doesn't mean we're going away. CBSNews.com today launches the Political Hotsheet, a new blog which will combine the best political reporting, analysis and observations from the reporters and producers at CBS News.
From the transition to the incoming president's first 100 Days in office and beyond, we'll keep you up on the very latest happenings in what's about to become one of the busiest and most closely-watched towns in the world. Hotsheet will chronicle the news from the White House, Congress and all the institutions in Washington during these historic and uncharted days.
The challenges that lie ahead for the nation are immense and we'll be your eyes and ears to keep you informed about what the new administration and congress are doing, or are not doing, about the issues that impact your life and the nation's future. With a laser-like focus on the economy, health care reform, taxes, spending, foreign policy and many other issues, we'll track the progress of the new team in Washington from Day One.
President-elect Barack Obama is coming to town with a strong wind of change at his back and Hotsheet will be here to help keep you informed as it sweeps through Washington, the nation and the world.
With the tireless help of CBSNews.com's Brian Montopoli and Kevin Hechtkopf and loads of assists from all the correspondents, producers and off-air reporters from CBS News, we helped guide you though the maze of the never-ending primaries, delegate counts, conventions and Election Night.
But just because the campaign is over doesn't mean we're going away. CBSNews.com today launches the Political Hotsheet, a new blog which will combine the best political reporting, analysis and observations from the reporters and producers at CBS News.
From the transition to the incoming president's first 100 Days in office and beyond, we'll keep you up on the very latest happenings in what's about to become one of the busiest and most closely-watched towns in the world. Hotsheet will chronicle the news from the White House, Congress and all the institutions in Washington during these historic and uncharted days.
The challenges that lie ahead for the nation are immense and we'll be your eyes and ears to keep you informed about what the new administration and congress are doing, or are not doing, about the issues that impact your life and the nation's future. With a laser-like focus on the economy, health care reform, taxes, spending, foreign policy and many other issues, we'll track the progress of the new team in Washington from Day One.
President-elect Barack Obama is coming to town with a strong wind of change at his back and Hotsheet will be here to help keep you informed as it sweeps through Washington, the nation and the world.
Gates Suggests He'll Work Towards Obama Goals
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, whom President-elect Barack Obama has asked to stay on in his current position, today suggested he is open to speeding up U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center, two of Obama's stated goals.
As the Associated Press reports, Gates said in a press conference that military commanders are now looking at how they might pull troops out in accordance with the 16-month timetable pushed by Obama during his presidential campaign.
"Commanders are already looking at what the implications of that are in terms of the potential for accelerating the drawdown and in terms of how we meet our obligations to the Iraqis," Gates said.
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As the Associated Press reports, Gates said in a press conference that military commanders are now looking at how they might pull troops out in accordance with the 16-month timetable pushed by Obama during his presidential campaign.
"Commanders are already looking at what the implications of that are in terms of the potential for accelerating the drawdown and in terms of how we meet our obligations to the Iraqis," Gates said.
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RFK Jr. Not Interested In Clinton's Seat
Robert Kennedy Jr. has told New York Gov. David Paterson he is not interested in being appointed to the seat that will be vacated by Senator Hillary Clinton (and the same seat once held by his father) if she is confirmed as the next Secretary of State, the New York Times reports. Kennedy has been among a lengthy list of names being circulated and he becomes the second to publicly bow out, joining Rep. Nita Lowey who yesterday said she was not interested. Paterson is reportedly interested in tapping someone from upstate New York, a woman or an Hispanic for the seat.
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and activist, said he's happy doing what he's doing right now. "I have spent lots of time thinking about it," he told the Times. "I have spent time talking with my uncle, by brothers, my cousin and, of course, my wife. And I think I'm in a good position right now doing what I'm doing."
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and activist, said he's happy doing what he's doing right now. "I have spent lots of time thinking about it," he told the Times. "I have spent time talking with my uncle, by brothers, my cousin and, of course, my wife. And I think I'm in a good position right now doing what I'm doing."
Voter Turnout A Bit Lighter In Georgia
As expected for a runoff election the three weeks after the main event, turnout appears lighter in the Georgia senate race, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. But reports are that the lines are steady. Early and absentee voting appears to be indicating slightly higher turnout in some counties than expected, according to election officials.
At stake today is the senate seat currently held by incumbent Saxby Chambliss, who faces Democrat Jim Martin. Chambliss finished the general election with a plurality but state law requires a runoff if any candidate fails to get 50 percent of the vote. Should Martin win, it would give Democrats 59 seats in the U.S. Senate with the Minnesota race remaining in a recount. Polls in Georgia close at 7:00pm.
At stake today is the senate seat currently held by incumbent Saxby Chambliss, who faces Democrat Jim Martin. Chambliss finished the general election with a plurality but state law requires a runoff if any candidate fails to get 50 percent of the vote. Should Martin win, it would give Democrats 59 seats in the U.S. Senate with the Minnesota race remaining in a recount. Polls in Georgia close at 7:00pm.
Franken May Appeal To Senate, Courts
Minnesota Senate candidate Al Franken's campaign says it may appeal to the U.S. Senate or the courts because it believes that up to 1,000 absentee ballots were improperly disqualified in the state's recount of votes, The Hill reports.
"Wherever the numbers stand today…that number simply cannot be relevant if it does not include all the votes that were legally cast," Franken attorney Marc Elias said, according to the newspaper. "No recount can be considered accurate or complete until all the ballots cast by lawful voters are counted."
Franken trails Republican rival Norm Coleman by 282 votes with most of the vote counted, though his campaign claims the deficit has shrunk to 73 votes.
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"Wherever the numbers stand today…that number simply cannot be relevant if it does not include all the votes that were legally cast," Franken attorney Marc Elias said, according to the newspaper. "No recount can be considered accurate or complete until all the ballots cast by lawful voters are counted."
Franken trails Republican rival Norm Coleman by 282 votes with most of the vote counted, though his campaign claims the deficit has shrunk to 73 votes.
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