Grayson Defends "Die Quickly" Remarks

(AP)  A Florida congressman tried to make sure a health care town hall meeting he hosted Monday night didn't turn into a debate about his recent remarks that Republicans want sick people to "die quickly." He mostly succeeded.

When the House floor speech that's given him national attention came up almost immediately, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson dismissed the subject, saying, "My time is limited tonight and I'm not going to debate politics, I'm going to debate health care."

CBSNews.com Special Report: Health Care

The first-term congressman then answered a string of questions from people opposed to health care reform, supporters and the undecided. Absent was the over-the-top rhetoric that has made him a YouTube sensation. And the crowd was mostly civil and supportive of the congressman that Republicans accuse of incivility.

But then the subject came up again about half way through 90 minute meeting, and he gave in and explained why two weeks ago he said, "If you get sick, America, the Republican health care plan is this: Die quickly. That's right. The Republicans want you to die quickly if you get sick."

Grayson said he was trying to be tongue-in-cheek, but the point he was making was that health care reform is needed to save lives and Republicans aren't offering solutions that save lives. He said health care isn't about being liberal or conservative.

"This bill not only saves huge numbers of American lives, not only saves money, but also brings a certain, I don't know - what's the right word? ... civility to the way we deal with each other," Grayson said.

More Grayson coverage:

Alan Grayson: People Like a Democrat with Guts

Alan Grayson "Die Quickly" Comment Prompts Uproar

Alan Grayson Apologizes to the Dead, not Republicans

Grayson has always had a reputation for being brash, but few outside his district, which stretches from Orlando to Ocala, knew who he was until now. Hardcore Democrats are rallying around him. Republicans are just getting sick of him, and they're hoping the attention dies quickly.

"He's not addressing the serious business of the nation, he's simply grandstanding and becoming a clown," said Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer.

Outside the meeting, about 60 people gathered to protest Grayson, many of them holding signs. Among them was Barbara Fabian, a 64-year-old Republican from Tavares who voted for Grayson but has soured on him since his comments late last month.

"At first I thought he was OK," Fabian said. "I really don't think he's using his brain power. I was wrong."

Grayson's "die quickly" remarks have been compared to the shout of "You lie!" made by Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., during President Barack Obama's September speech on health care. Grayson said after Monday's meeting there's no comparison.

"What I did was like a Bob Dylan song and what he did was like a belch, just sort of evacuating his own feelings in the midst of a presidential speech," Grayson said.

[hakori]

The one thing the GOP fears most is a democrat with spine. I hope Rep Grayson starts a trend. For the past four decades the republicans have won elections not on policy matters but character assasination, name calling and division; look where that got us. When a democrat stands up and calls them out, they act like most bullies: they cry foul. The days of the GOP lvining by a different set of rules than democrats are OVER. Now they'll have to put up or shut up and decide if they are on the side of the people or corporations--that goes for a goodly number of democrats as well!

[doc_holliday76]

by hakori:
"For the past four decades the republicans have won elections not on policy matters but character assasination, name calling and division; look where that got us. When a democrat stands up and calls them out, they act like most bullies: they cry foul. The days of the GOP lvining by a different set of rules than democrats are OVER."
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Yep.....these juvenile republican'ts just continue to whine since the 2008 electoral landslide, and their total loss of POWER.

I'm glad to see a progressive Dem with a spine to stand up to the constipated conservitards and their WAR PROFITEERS.

[lovetheair]

This is so funny hakori and doc - you guys talking about character assasination - ROTFLMAO I think this is the pot calling the kettle black.

[MPHgrad]

I just applaud the fact that a Democrat isn't back peddling and has the intestinal fortitude to incense people without apology. It is refreshing. He has learned that races & politics are won and lost on emotion, not intellect.

[pnut134]

The only politician I have seen in the past several years, that is not owned by Big Corporations, yet! And, somehow I think he will remain that way. I sent $50 from my minuscule retirement income to his campaign. We need more politicians like him. Thank you Congressman Grayson. Please stay out of the clutches of the corporate bribery donations being given to your fellow politicians. Wouldn't it be nice to have a majority of congressmen not owned by Big Corporate?

[doc_holliday76]

by pnut134:
"The only politician I have seen in the past several years, that is not owned by Big Corporations, yet! And, somehow I think he will remain that way."
"Wouldn't it be nice to have a majority of congressmen not owned by Big Corporate?"
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Yep......and a congressman fighting for taxpayers' money too!


In recent years, Grayson specialized in war profiteer and whistleblower cases aimed at Iraq war contractors that had overbilled the U.S. government by tens of millions of dollars. One such contractor, Custer Battles, billed the government $15 milion for inspecting non-existent civilian flights at Baghdad Airport, and $10 million on a time and materials contract that had cost just 3.5 million, and received payment in newly printed cash direct from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

[gramto8]

Durn!! If I still lived in my old place in FL (I moved to GA 10 years ago), I could be voting for Grayson! I am really surprised that a Democrat got that area, as there are what seems to be a thousand retiree villages, plantations, etc. in the area.

[proudmilvet]

Florida Republican Party Chairman says "He's Grandstanding & becoming a Clown." With all of the coldhearted,nasty,hateful rhetoric spewed by the Republicans on a daily basis,you have to give them credit for having Cajones as big as coconuts!

[doc_holliday76]

by proudmilvet:
"Florida Republican Party Chairman says 'He's Grandstanding & becoming a Clown.'"
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Yep, typical HYPOCRITICAL republican'ts, taking a break from spewing their usual "cold-hearted, nasty, hateful rhetoric," in order to attack Grayson for speaking the TRUTH.

Proves that the republican'ts "can't handle the TRUTH."

[lovetheair]

Sure doc, we all know that Democrats NEVER spew any hate. Give me a break. Hypocrite.

[pensacola8-2009]

Congressman Grayson is a great man. He is an icon of courage and common sense. He demonstrate more of the 9 C's of a great leader with passing time. (Refer to Lee Iaccoca's book "Where Have all the Leaders Gone?")

His message is accurate and extremely real. He legislates with clear visions of both the best and worst choices to support for health care.

The Blue State of Florida is behind him...and we support Meeks for the upcoming Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez.

Governor Crist doesn't have a chance at the Senate seat....he threw every Democrat under the bus by signing the bill that held the Florida Primary out of season, and forced extreme pain to thousands of Democrats wanting to seat their delegates at the DNC.


I see Grayson as an incredible power player and leader.

[stuart-johns2]

And the crowd was mostly civil and supportive of the congressman that Republicans accuse of incivility.
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The mixed crowd of opposers to reform and supporters were civil. How come the republican extremists can't hold "civil" townhall meetings?

I am afraid the republicans did'nt learn a damned thing from last November. If I had to name one thing that turned America off to the republican party it would be their stubborn arrogance. They have not shed that characteristic in the least; indeed they have become even MORE arrogant.

The republican party is a complete failure - COMPLETE.

[dblbar1]

sad thing is....he spoke the truth when he made the comment.