Obama to GOP: Let's Talk Health Care

(CBS/AP)  In the first major step to revive his health care agenda after his party's loss of a filibuster-proof Senate majority, President Barack Obama on Sunday invited Republican and Democratic leaders to discuss possible compromises in a televised gathering later this month.

Obama's move came amid widespread complaints that efforts so far by him and his Democratic allies in Congress have been too partisan and secretive.

In a pre-Super Bowl interview Feb. 7, CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric that health care reform is still a priority for his administration and that he will meet with both Democrats and Republicans at the White House next week to move the process forward.

"I want to ask them to put their ideas on the table, and then after the recess, which will be a few weeks away, I want to come back and have a large meeting, the Republicans and Democrats, to go through systematically all the best ideas that are out there and move it forward," Mr. Obama said.

The Feb. 25 meeting's prospects for success are far from clear. GOP leaders demanded Sunday that Democrats start from scratch, and White House aides said Obama had no plans to do so.

"If we are to reach a bipartisan consensus, the White House can start by shelving the current health spending bill," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio also threw some jabs while accepting Obama's invitation. He said he was glad the White House "finally seems interested in a real, bipartisan conversation," adding that Americans have rejected "the job-killing, trillion-dollar government takeover of health care bills passed by the House and Senate."

Obama told Couric that he and the leaders of both parties will "go through systematically all the best ideas that are out there and move it forward."

Watch Katie Couric's interview with President Obama:

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Asked if he was willing to start from square one, the president said he wants "to look at the Republican ideas that are out there. And I want to be very specific. 'How do you guys want to lower costs? How do you guys intend to reform the insurance markets so people with preexisting conditions, for example, can get health care?"'

"If we can go step by step through a series of these issues and arrive at some agreements," Obama said, "then procedurally, there's no reason why we can't do it a lot faster than the process took last year."

Congress' Democratic and Republican leaders have differed sharply on most major questions in the long-running health care debate. Only one Republican voted for the House health care bill approved in December, and no Republicans voted for a similar Senate version.

White House officials said Sunday that Obama does not intend to restart the health care legislative process from scratch. Many liberal groups and lawmakers want congressional Democrats to use all the parliamentary muscle they have to enact the measure that the Senate passed on Christmas Eve, employing rules that could bypass GOP filibusters to make changes demanded by House Democrats.

The White House has not ruled out such a strategy. But Obama's recent talk of inviting Republican input and extending the debate for several weeks has caused uncertainty about his plans.

A White House statement Sunday said Obama repeatedly has made it clear "that he's adamant about passing comprehensive reform similar to the bills passed by the House and the Senate."

"He hopes to have Republican support in doing so, but he is going to move forward on health reform," the statement said.

Mr. Obama said that he was frustrated by special deals for legislators, such as earmarks, that got into the healthcare reform bills.

"They did not help. They frustrate me," he told Couric. "But this is a democracy. I would have loved nothing better than to simply come up with some very elegant, academically-approved approach to health care, and didn't have any kinds of legislative fingerprints on it and just go ahead and have that passed. But that's not how it works in our democracy. Unfortunately, what we end up having to do is to do a lot of negotiations with a lot of different people, many of whom have their constituents' best interests at heart.

Polls show that many Americans feel Obama and his congressional allies have not sought enough GOP input, although Democrats say Republicans have shown virtually no interest in seeking a realistic agreement.

Obama has shown a greater zeal lately for interacting with Republicans. His sharp but civil exchange with House Republicans earlier this month drew widespread praise and attention.

Obama also is trying to address criticism of Democrats' closed-door negotiations that led to special accommodations for Nebraska and Louisiana senators when their votes on health care were in question. Some Republicans taunted Obama for suggesting earlier that health care negotiations should be aired on C-SPAN, and one GOP senator said health care would be the president's Waterloo.

Obama said the closed-door deal-cutting was not helpful to the process.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Sunday she was hopeful "that the Republican leadership will work in a bipartisan fashion on the great challenges the American people face."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said, "We have promoted the pursuit of a bipartisan approach to health reform from day one."

[noloyalisti]

Generations from now long after everyone in congress and the senate are dead (buried or cremated) Health care for everyone, abortions when needed and gay marriage will be the norm?.adios

I hope and pray you are right. We will then fulfill the promise of America and join the rest of the modern civilized world.

[soundloud]

It's sad to see that that many republicans still think that they dont need health care reforms, as if they are immuned from any kind of disaster as regards to health care insurance. I would like to remind these people, that many of you are not going to escape when that kind of disaster strikes you, unless or otherwise you are rich or well connected. Many on top levels are all set with insurance and the future, so do not think that you are one of them act like you dont need health care reform. Strip all your party clothes, and face the reality for a moment and think independently, if you can see through your future. Many people protested Medicare, when it was proposed, but try to take it away from seniors now, you will see a big riots. Things look bad when there is a change, and you need to be free from this lobbying and all of that, as we are free people to think for ourselves, not like the way the big corporations wants us to think.
I dont care who brings about this health care reform, but one thing is definite , that is this country need it badly. I am not going to blame any party, but they should work together and do something good for this country. I hate when people roll in the mud of party lines on issues like this that would benefit the nation. I am not talking on behalf of republicans or democrats.
As for spending we already spending money on two wars, and Sarah Palin wants us to start another war with Iran too, and may be with North Korea later. If we declare war on these countries it will cost dearly to our nation. I am confused, with her proposed spending cuts, and tax cuts, where is she going to find the money to fund these wars. One thing it will be costliest war if ever started. She must learn to be responsible, when making horrible decisions like this and she should not be childish...Anyway my point is why cant we spend some of it on our own people?.

[noloyalisti]

The amount of money our politicians use to help do their difficult jobs are NOTHING compared to amount of our money being waste by big corporations. Not to mention the lavish gifts, favors and donations being given by big corporations to buy future profits.

[noloyalisti]

The amount of money our politicians use to help do their difficult jobs are NOTHING compared to amount of our money being waste by big corporations. Not to mention the lavish gifts, favors and donations being given by big corporations to buy future profits.

[redseal3]

Little of subject here but has anyone heard about military fighter jets serving as chauffeurs, and babysitters for Nancy Pelosi and kids at our expense??The costs for some flights is as much as $18,000 an hour.This of course isnt supposed to be allowed but is going on.There is copies online of receipts for everything from large amounts of alcohol to food.The D.O.D. recieved orders to transport her.Wow this is amazing and taxpayers pay for it.

[noloyalisti]

As you can clearly see the Democrats, the progressive ones that stand for us rather than the big corporate interests are NOT in the majority.

I just wrote a letter to the President: The White House 1600 PA Ave NW, Wash DC 20500. I asked him to stop trying to work with the Republicans, they had their chance. We voted for the Democratic platform, not the Republicans. They had their chance to lead and help the country and they failed. We don't want and don't need their ideas. They are NOT interested in working to together with us. It is time to move on.

[soundloud]

I hope republicans will get on board to bring a health care reform to this country. This country needs it badly. I always live in a fear that what would happen to me if I lose the health coverage. This affects a lot of American. Many of who opposes this, are either supporters of insurance companies, or presently covered by their employers. People forget that they can be layed off by their employers, and after Cobra runs out , they are on their own. I am telling you that Cobra is not cheap either. At that time only, we realize that we are in deep trouble without insurance. I have been there once. I am not against the insurance companies, we need them too, to give us a choice. But there should be a health reform, as Insurance companies are the only players in town and we are at their mercy.
So they can do anything, hike the premium without any reasons. If you have a pre existing condition, then you are screwed. Funny thing is that this health insurance reforms are always tried by Democrats, both medicare and social security was brought in by Democrats. So I think it is a good thing if the republicans can support this with some changes at least, and do good for the country.
Republican idea of across state lines will not work, as the attitude of the insurance companies does not change that much across states. What would happen if the insurance companies keep up the prices across state lines. We need health care reform, and I am sure it would not affect the insurance companies as they fear, I have insurance, that does not mean that there should not be a health care reform. But at the same time I would say that we need private insurance too, to keep each system in check. We american's should not be selfish, and also lets take out the party lines on this issue and work together for the country.

[cidaia]

Wow, even when Democrats win EVERYTHING at the polls, you still blame Republicans for Democrats' inability to get anything done?

[soundloud]

I hope republicans will get on board to bring a health care reform to this country. This country needs it badly. I always live in a fear that what would happen to me if I lose the health coverage. This affects a lot of American. Many of who opposes this, are either supporters of insurance companies, or presently covered by their employers. People forget that they can be layed off by their employers, and after Cobra runs out , they are on their own. I am telling you that Cobra is not cheap either. At that time only, we realize that we are in deep trouble without insurance. I have been there once. I am not against the insurance companies, we need them too, to give us a choice. But there should be a health reform, as Insurance companies are the only players in town and we are at their mercy.
So they can do anything, hike the premium without any reasons. If you have a pre existing condition, then you are screwed. Funny thing is that this health insurance reforms are always tried by Democrats, both medicare and social security was brought in by Democrats. So I think it is a good thing if the republicans can support this with some changes at least, and do good for the country.
Republican idea of across state lines will not work, as the attitude of the insurance companies does not change that much across states. What would happen if the insurance companies keep up the prices across state lines. We need health care reform, and I am sure it would not affect the insurance companies as they fear, I have insurance, that does not mean that there should not be a health care reform. But at the same time I would say that we need private insurance too, to keep each system in check. We american's should not be selfish, and also lets take out the party lines on this issue and work together for the country.

[noloyalisti]

The rights for the rich to pay less taxes DOES NOT trump the people's rights to have health care.

By the way, it seems to work just fine in civilized countries of the world. And better and cheaper than here. It's that simple.

[alanrobisch]

ARe you saying we aren't civillized

[slownewsday_____]

"ARe you saying we aren't civillized"


What you read on these boards isn't enough evidence for you??

[Empire-George-]

Am I the only person sick of hearing about healthcare ?

[noloyalisti]

Yes, once we all have it at lower cost and better care, we will stop talking about it. We should enter the civilized world.

By the way, I am only against the current fascist predatory capitalism, designed and carried out by those that have the most to profit. Why do you want fascism (a hybrid ruling class formed by government and big corporations)?

[slownewsday_____]

"Am I the only person sick of hearing about healthcare ?"


I don't know if the play on words was intentional, Joe, but that was funny!! Good one!