GOP Health Care Memo: "Delay, Stall, Slow Down"

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: Republicans

(AP)

A new strategy memo from Republican party leader Michael Steele urges Republicans to do everything in their power to block the Democrats' health care bill from moving forward in the Senate.

"I urge everyone to spend every bit of capital and energy you have to stop this health care reform," Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele wrote in the memo, obtained by CBS News. "The Democrats have accused us of trying to delay, stall, slow down and stop this bill. They are right. We do want to delay, stall, slow down and ultimately stop them from experimenting on our nation's health care. And guess what, so do a majority of Americans."

In fact, Steele's last point may be up for debate. A CBS News/ New York Times poll released last night shows that while most Americans are skeptical of the impact the Democrats' overall health care package will have, 60 percent of Americans still support the Democrats' proposal for a government-run health insurance option, or "public option."

One thing is certain, however: There is a segment of the conservative base that thinks the Republican party has not done enough to block health care reform.

"It's clear that the Senate Republican leadership doesn't know how to deal with this in the health care fight," conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh recently said on his show. "I'm not a parliamentary expert. But I know a disaster when I see it. And I know that it's gotta be stopped, and whatever parliamentary steps are available to people who do know what they are should have been taken, every blocking tactic they had at this."

Added Limbaugh, "They act like this is just another day at the office. They don't have faith in our principles. They don't have the will or energy to go on offense. I'm talking about the Republican leadership, wherever you find it. And they're incapable of explaining our philosophy or our purpose."

Other conservative groups, like the Gun Owners of America, have expressed similar sentiments, the Hill newspaper reports. In an e-mail sent to its members in Kentucky, the group said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has helped Democrats advance "ObamaCare legislation," according to the Hill.

Along with its new health care memo, the RNC has made other attempts to appease its base. Some party members suggested a "purity test" for Republicans to follow -- a resolution of 10 principles that must be adhered to, such as support for the Defense of Marriage Act and opposition to President Obama's health care plan.

While the energized conservative base could prove to be a boon to Republicans, appealing to only the most conservative voters also has its risks, the Washington Post writes.

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
Follow on Twitter »

20 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment

See all 20 Comments


by mikeoliphant December 11, 2009 11:57 AM EST: I would like to pose this question to any Senator worth their salt (assuming the senator is not a attorney). Why is TORT REFORM not a major component of this bill? Studies performed by www.BenefitsManager.net and www.DentalInsuranceUtah.net that liability insurance costs are approaching nearly one third of the operating expenses for specialty care physicians, units and facilities. Aside from medical provider costs, insurance carriers such as Humana Health Plans state that their costs of medical liability and defensive medicine accounts for nearly 10 cents out of every premium dollar collected (verified). Compare that to Humana?s reported pharmaceutical claims of 15 cents out of every premium dollar collected. Or better yet, 21 cents out of every premium dollar collected is paid back to physicians for physician treatments. Without TORT REFORM, medical provider costs will never drop.; Reply to this comment


by love2ridend December 11, 2009 11:19 AM EST: Whats the rush? Dems afraid of something? Maybe mid-term elections? If they are so great why are they scared? If you are doing such a great job why the worry?; Reply to this comment


by care4allcitizens December 10, 2009 7:37 PM EST: These people are evil. They don't care about middle class Americans and the struggles we face. Health care costs are ridiculous and only the very wealthy can afford to pay premiums for a policy that is not employer subsidized. My premium has gone from under $200 a month in 2000 to $918 per month in 2010. This is half of my total income. I have a pre-existing condition (that is not caused by lifestyle), so I cannot shop for a less expensive policy. Soon I will be among the unisured whose numbers will only rise as they are priced out of the market. I was a Republican for 27 years, until I realized just how evil they are. It isn't about the cost because they know health care reform will save money in the long run. It is all about politics and making Obama fail.; Reply to this comment


by Shibbol December 10, 2009 4:57 PM EST: No one said that health care reform would come easily. Especially when the opposition party is allied with giant business interests. Was there as much corporate involvement in the Republicans' and southern Democrats' resistance to civil rights? Once the page is turned now, everyone will remember the party which fought progress tooth and nail and then lost big time.; Reply to this comment


by HGOODGUY December 10, 2009 4:50 PM EST: The GOP may have a backbone but it is full of "slipped discs".

I recommend an entire spinal replacement!!!; Reply to this comment


by HGOODGUY December 10, 2009 4:49 PM EST: The GOP may have a backbone but it is full of "slipped discs".

I recommend an entire spinal replacement!!!; Reply to this comment


by Ni_Hao December 10, 2009 4:48 PM EST: We should all chip in, citizens, not party members, and buy billboards with Michael Steele's quote, and the US poll numbers. I am tired of the lying, and tired of the lobbyists that buy them.; Reply to this comment


by antoniof123 December 10, 2009 4:47 PM EST: This will be plastered everywhere well not on fake news but that is where the wing nuts go.

It is coming boys the country is seeing the GOP for what they have become.

A bunch of greedy old perverts. White Angry Stupid People (WASP).; Reply to this comment


by gohogs44 December 10, 2009 3:32 PM EST: Yes, those mean, mean Repubs backing their big companies and ceo's.
Dem Dorgan and 19 other Senators are trying to pass an amendment allowing for the importation of drugs..the most major thing that could happen to save millions of dollars for us all. What happened. Immediately the WH said "no way, jack....PhRMA has put way too many dollars in the passing of this bill. Then, Menendez D-NJ says no way also and offers a list of lame excuses. Do you know how many drug companies are in NJ? Yep, dozens. This amendment will not even come to a vote. Cuts both ways, doesn't it? The Golden Rule..who has the gold rules. It is all a political game...Dems have to win this one at all costs. If you think they are losing sleep over your health care situation, give me a call about a bridge I have to sell.; Reply to this comment

by jaydee102 December 10, 2009 2:26 PM EST

Jab232, your last rhetorical question answers itself, and it's a perfect description of modern Republicanism. But, take heart, my good man (or woman!) - this is GOOD news! Few would argue that the main reason Obama was elected was because a large majority of the public DOES want health care reform and, after 40 years or more of neglect of the escalating problem, they want a fairly radicalized departure from the status quo - which the GOP has made clear it will go down fighting over. Good!! The upshot of all of that - the GOP is goin' down, big time! Can I hear an AMEN!??!??! Hallelujah!!!

Reply to this comment


by velma179 December 10, 2009 4:24 PM EST: For those from any and all political parties/ideologies that prefer money and power over simply taking care or their fellow human beings "goin' down, big time!"... I give an EMPHATIC --

Amen and Hallelujah!