For this reason, Nancy Pelosi needs to be replaced

[TexasBushwhacker]

http://billmoyers.com/story/battles-ahead-opponents-single-payer/

“Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California replied with a flat ‘no’ when asked if Democrats should make single-payer a central theme in 2018,” The Times reported. “The comfort level with the broader base of the American people is not there yet,” Pelosi said."

[Chasstev365]

1. Agreed! However you will catch hell for the mere suggestion

The Democrats need to be bold and differentiate themselves from Republicans if they want to win going forward!

[brush]

123. Just great. 2018 elections around the corner and suddenly another issue to divide Dems

Last edited Mon Jul 10, 2017, 11:12 AM - Edit history (1)

Guess some never learn that a prescription for losing (see the 2016 campaign and "corporate whore" name calling and constant Dem bashing by a certain Senator which resulted in many voting 3rd party, for trump or write-ins for you know who), is a divided Democratic Party.

Results: trump won and repugs will if we keep up this "dump Pelosi" issue (over a non-achievable, at least for now, single payer wish — repugs control the House, Senate, White House and SCOTUS.

Some seem to not understand that the party not in power can not get bills to the floor of the House to be voted on. Do they really think Ryan, the Speaker will, out of the kindness of his heart, put a single payer bill up for a vote? He's the only one with the power to do that. Pelosi can't.

She's right. Single payer has as much chance of getting voted on as unicorns and rainbows right now.

Cut the dump Pelosi move and work to re-take the House so a Dem will be the speaker and we have the power to introduce bills to be voted on.

[GeorgeGist]

2. That's not leadership.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

126. Bernie has shown us what true leadership looks like.. Pelosi should take note.

[ronnie624]

131. +1. n/t

[Demsrule86]

156. Really, I don't agree.

[Blue_Adept]

187. Same

It feels like a whole lot of

[img][/img]

[Demsrule86]

193. I love that...haha

[Demsrule86]

194. Oh Oh, I see someone else didn't agree.

[Gothmog]

166. I disagree strongly with your post

Has bernie turned his e-mail list over?

[Snotcicles]

167. +1.nt

[Eko]

3. I agree with Pelosi

as much as I think we need single payer most of America does not. Pelosi is right.

[Blue_true]

54. Yep, sure is. nt

[broadcaster90210]

65. Don't care. You don't go with "most of America". You lead.

She is not leading. Step aside please.

[Eko]

67. You go

with things that will get passed and like she said, most of America is not there yet, hopefully soon though. When the chances are better, then she will push for it. Part of being a politician, and an adult, is not fighting fights you wont win.

[L. Coyote]

68. Likewise. Make it an issue in a Presidential year, for one!

And THANK YOU leader Pelosi for bring health care to 30 million Americans.

[Dem2]

118. She's right

I agree.

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. she will always be "impeachment is off the table" to me.

[Chasstev365]

7. Me too: That position emboldened Republicans!

[JI7]

12. Sanders opposed impeachment also. Maybe he should go away.

[Chasstev365]

20. Who said anything about Sanders?????

Stop deflecting!

[JI7]

26. Oh so it's only bad if pelosi does it. Not really about impeachment itself

[Chasstev365]

30. She was the Speaker of the House who announced to the world Bush Cheney would get off

Scott free. BIG DIFFERENCE! Go on, defend that!

[JI7]

34. So that means sanders should not be president

?

[Chasstev365]

43. Oh, I see: you still blame Berine for Hillary not being president!

[JI7]

45. I'm just showing is more about wanting to get rid of pelosi for you

And not impeachment itself.

[YoungDemCA]

186. The Democratic Party hasn't been in a worse position than right now for about a century.

So...

[JI7]

188. The party no longer gets the racist vote

[Hekate]

36. See my post 24. The votes were not there. She could not manufacture them out of thin air. nt

[whathehell]

37. No, maybe it's bad when you do TWO objectionable things..

Try that on for size.

[Hekate]

33. Pelosi is one of the most effective Democrats we have. Sanders is...a currently popular gadfly...

...aiming most of his barbs at the Democratic Party.

It's really not deflection to point out some of the dissimilarities.

[NRaleighLiberal]

50. apples and oranges

[Demsrule86]

98. And that was wise also...we never had the votes in the Senate...how stupid is it to impeach if you

can't remove the president?

[LittleBlue]

5. Appeasement never works

Backing down to the insurance lobby isn't strong leadership

[sheshe2]

109. Link please.

[LittleBlue]

116. What do you want me to link?

I made an observation about Democratic behavior regarding insurance companies based on these weak comments. The link is in the OP.

Single payer is inevitable. Costs cannot be adequately controlled under a private system. We warned about this 10 years ago: the costs will spiral out of control, as it is right now as our demographics shift to proportionally more elderly people. The private system only worked because demographic advantage toward young people allowed it to limp along. That era is over.

For the good of the country, it has to happen. We can get out in front of it or be run over by it. That takes leadership.

[sheshe2]

120. You made a statement.

I just thought you might have some facts to back it up. You said she is backing down to the insurance lobby.

LittleBlue (10,141 posts)
5. Appeasement never works

Backing down to the insurance lobby isn't strong leadership

[JI7]

6. Fuck that. The ones who claim to support single payer didn't do much when colorado was voting on it

And it was rejected HUGELY . And that's a state democrats win last 3 elections.

[JustAnotherGen]

11. Yep - and

I think a smarter move would be positioning a Medicare for all affordable option that people can "buy" into first. Would drive the Commercial Insurance companies into the ground. They wouldn't be able to compete without disrupting their business model.

[wryter2000]

16. Bingo

Wish I could rec a reply

[trc]

55. this times a thousand

[Hoyt]

63. Exactly. We'll never force single payer down ignorant folks' throat. Give them and option, and

see how fast people gravitate to it. I don't think single payer -- or a public option -- is really going to save us more than 10% or so under our current healthcare model, it's still a start and allows us to begin making the changes that will make a bigger difference in cost and outcomes down the road.

[still_one]

81. In fact for all those using this as an anti-Pelosi thread, why don't they get single-payer either on

the ballot in their states, or through their elected representatives?

California has a single payer going through right now. It was put on hold until they see what happens with the ACA, and how much funding would be provided by the feds, and how much funding would be required by the taxpayers.

Where the funding will come from is vital to a single payer system that works. Also, distribution of services is another issue.

I would like to see single payer as an option, but that is easier said than done. I encourage those who believe that single payer will be so readily acceptable, that they work in their respective states to either get it on their ballots or through there respective legislature, and see what happens.

In Vermont the governor refused to sign the Single Payer bill. This was a governor who's supported single payer, but when the reports showed that the cost of the program would double the size of the state's budget in the first year alone, and require extremely large tax increases for residents and business, which the governor believed would not only be a hardship on the residents of Vermont, but also be a disincentive for business in that state, he refused to sign it.

[Hekate]

92. Plus a thousand

[sheshe2]

111. Exactly!

[JustAnotherGen]

8. She's right

And I will probably catch hell for writing it.

Impeachment needs to be at the top of the bullet list for every single Democratic flipping a seat held by a Republican in a District Clinton won.

I live in one. Impeachment can get people to the polls in my district.

These Republicans here knew it in November - that Trump was and is a treasonous son of a gun. Drip, drip, drip.

What they do when they get there - that's another story.

[BeyondGeography]

9. Then say you'll make adding a public option to ACA your #1 priority

if you get the speakership back. Strength and vision, please. It has been known to get people off their asses to vote.

[Demsrule86]

99. No, you should not make promises that can't be kept...we will need a super majority to get any form

of single payer. You all never think of what it would take.

[BeyondGeography]

107. She supports PO going back to 2009; this is not a stretch

All she had to do was point that out first instead of leading and ending with NO on single payer. Would that she was half as effective at dealing with the media as she is with deep-pocketed donors.

[Demsrule86]

157. You have to have the votes...and we don't have control of the government.

We would need 60 vote majority in the Senate, the House and the presidency...who knows when we would have these things...improve the ACA so people never are never willing to do without healthcare again and go from there...not all countries have single payer you know. We may never have it. Switzerland has insurance with price controls and Germany has a two tiered system where the wealthy get way more than average people...check out the world...I believe most systems are better than our old system of nothing but no plan is perfect. The ACA is a good plan and can be made better; that is our best option at the moment...introducing single payer is a waste of time and akin to the GOP voting 50 + times to repeal the ACA.

[BeyondGeography]

168. She could have said all of that plus adding PO when possible

and it would have been a better answer.

This isn't a big deal. My problem with her response is she handed the media a negative soundbite on single payer when she didn't have to and she didn't preface it with anything positive; ie to expand ACA to include something she actually fought very hard for when she was Speaker.

[Demsrule86]

175. She is supporting the ACA. Now is not the time to discuss single payer.

[Demsrule86]

196. Why confuse the issue which at the moment is save the ACA and lives.

[Me.]

10. STOP IT

Maybe, just maybe, she's smarter about legislating than you

[Chasstev365]

14. Why can so many people around not handle ANY criticism of Nancy Pelosi?

She did many things well, but she is not infallible!

[pnwmom]

18. This isn't "any criticism." This is saying she should be replaced. No. She shouldn't be. nt

[whathehell]

49. Some people think she should be, .So what?

I am actually NOT one if them, but for fuck's sake, she's not God and people do have the right to voice their opinion without others basically demanding they 'shut up". The hostility and intolerance around here lately is off the charts.

[pnwmom]

74. Where did I say people don't have the right to express their opinion? Are you confusing me

with someone else?

[whathehell]

84. You responded to someone's remark of there being no tolerance

of Pelosi criticism here, by saying that this "wasn't just criticism" it was a call for her to be replaced, and, you said "she shouldn't," which is, of course, a matter of opinion, not the dogmatic "fact" your words would play

[pnwmom]

94. My statement disagreeing with the idea that she should be replaced did NOT imply

that the poster had no right to express his or her opinion.

[mythology]

75. Not all opinions are equal. Some opinions aren't really deserving of respect

If you base an opinion on something as silly as Pelosi won't do this thing that isn't politically possible and so she's awful and has to go, that's an opinion that frankly is more than a little silly. She is objectively good at her job. Look at how much trouble Republicans have doing anything because their recent speakers have been bad at their job of getting votes.

But some people seem to think that if she just stomped her feet and threatened to hold her breath, that she could get whatever is wanted. That's not how life works.

[whathehell]

82. Who decides which are deserving...You? Me?

The "worthiness" of an opinion is decided through discussion -- not by shutting down discussion.

I would agree some opinions, e.g. a flat Earth, aren't worthy of respect, but the job performance of a congressional leader? That should certainly be a matter open for discussion, regardless of who it might be.

[Me.]

19. Why Is IT There Has Been A Push To Get Rid Of Her

I can't rightly call out misogyny as I don't know the gender of the posters but there is some of that and I don't know who of you are Kristal Ball/Tim Ryan groupies but this whole thing has the feel of a relentless witch hunt to me.

[JI7]

28. How did krystal ball do in her election ?

[Me.]

29. SAD...ly

[JI7]

35. But isn't she selling a book on winning ?

[Me.]

38. Yep

And giving little lectures, whenever she can, about how right BS was/is. So much so that at one point Joy Reid felt compelled to apply a major smack down.

[JI7]

41. Maybe she should write a book about getting rich from pump and dump stocks

That's something she and her husband have actually been successful at.

[Me.]

44. Now That I Did Not Know

Color me not surprised.

[lapucelle]

61. She's selling a book about

high jacking the Democratic party.

hijack
transitive verb
1. a : to steal by stopping a vehicle on the highway
b : to commandeer (a flying airplane) especially by coercing the
pilot at gunpoint
c : to stop and steal from (a vehicle in transit)
d : kidnap

2. a : to steal or rob as if by hijacking
b : to subject to extortion or swindling

https://www.amazon.com/Reversing-Apocalypse-Hijacking-Democratic-Party-ebook/dp/B06XTY6KZM

[Demsrule86]

100. We should stand behind our Democratic leaders not stab them in the back. Nancy

has done an outstanding job. And is very wise.

[whathehell]

32. YOU stop it..

Maybe, just maybe we have the right to express our opinions here instead of playing "follow the leader".

[Me.]

39. Oh, You Mean You'll Haven't Made Your Point About Nancy Pelosi Known?

I must be imaging the hundreds of times this snarky little meme has been pushed.

[whathehell]

48. Lol

No, and you know why?...I've always supported Nancy, so those ."memes' you refer to must have come from someone else...That being said, I also support the rights of DUers to disagree.. That's what this board is about -- Get a clue.

[Me.]

51. Apparently You Only Support Some DUers Right To Disagree

[whathehell]

52. No, it's not "apparent" at all

Unless, of course, you can show me where I ordered any DUer to "stop".

[Me.]

59. And BTW

Who made you hall monitor

[whathehell]

142. Lol...We don't have those here.

We get to express our opinions here...If you don't like mine, feel free to put me on Ignore.. That's how it works here.

[Me.]

173. Yes We Do

I gave mine, your response (#32) was to stop it

[whathehell]

180. Huh?

You gave your hall monitor?

[sheshe2]

112. You just did.

whathehell (19,133 posts)
32. YOU stop it..

Maybe, just maybe we have the right to express our opinions here instead of playing "follow the leader".

[whathehell]

141. No, that was my response to someone who was doing that..

There's a difference.

[Me.]

181. Pot & Kettle

[whathehell]

191. Horse and carriage.

One comes before the other.

[Me.]

192. Not A Marriage

[whathehell]

198. Oh, you've got me now..

How could one possibly compete with such cleverness?

[Me.]

199. Good To Know

[whathehell]

200. Hahahaha..Only if you took me literally.

and here I thought only Conservatives were irony-impaired.

[Me.]

201. Now Why Would I Do That

Considering.....

[whathehell]

202. I don't know, dear, but

I do know this exchange is beginning to bore me a bit, so I think I'll be saying 'adieu'. Have an excellent day.

[Me.]

204. "Dear"

Says it all

[Me.]

183. Saw Your Response After I Posted Mine

[obamanut2012]

145. +1

[musette_sf]

189. most definitely she's smarter about legislating than the OP

and defenders of the OP

[RelativelyJones]

13. She once call Rahm Emanuel an "incrementalist".

And she was right. Obama's faith in Emanuel was a real drag on his first term. I just hope she is not giving in to such hyper-cautionism.

[Me.]

22. Too True

Re: Rahm.The thing about Nancy, and most people know this about her, she doesn't bring anything forward until she is absolutely sure she has the votes.

[Mister Ed]

15. We need to give her the tools.

We need to promote, promote, promote the idea of Medicare-for-all. Get people informed about it, get people excited about it. Then she'll gladly declare, “The comfort level with the broader base of the American people is there now!”

[pirateshipdude]

17. No, it is not a reason to replace Pelosi. We are trying to save what we have.

Single payer is not going to happen. She is focused and she leads, to save our health care of millions.

[sheshe2]

113. +1000

[kentuck]

21. Maybe Democrats need to work to change the comfort level?

Polls change with the wind.

[ZX86]

23. The comfort level with the broader base of the American people is not there yet

I'm calling bullshit on that one.

&w=480



75% of Democrats want single payer and she can't support it? WTF!!!

[Duppers]

125. Exactly!

+100

[brush]

170. Will publicly supporting it get Ryan to allow a single-payer bill to the floor of the House...

to be voted on? Of course not.

The Speaker of the House is the only one in the US government who has that power.

That's not going to happen while the repugs control the house, and neither will unicorns and rainbows be voted on so Pelosi's pragmatism and practicality actually make sense now.

Once we get control of the House and a Dem is speaker, then a bill for single-payer can make it to the floor for a vote.

[Hekate]

24. Nancy usually knows exactly what she's talking about. When she says "Yet," she means it.

She doesn't mean she thinks your idea is a bad idea. She doesn't mean she disapproves of your idea.

What she means is (and she says it in words of one syllable) that the votes are not yet there to accomplish what you (and so many of us) want accomplished.

If the votes were there, she would round up the Democrats and get it done. But they are not. We are a minority party in Congress, and she is working with what she's got.

If the votes had been there for impeachment, it would have been on the table. I do not know what is so hard to understand about that.

If the votes were there for single payer, it would have happened back when Hillary proposed it and instead got crucified. Likewise when Obama's ACA so laboriously made its way thru. Nancy Pelosi cannot manufacture votes out of thin air. But she is damn good at collecting them or holding them back when the time is right.

Speaking of holding votes back: anybody remember how many Democrats in the House voted for Trumpcare?

Zero. Zip. Nada. And that would not have happened without the skills of Nancy Pelosi.

[betsuni]

128. +100000

[Gothmog]

25. I strongly disagree with your analysis and conclusions

[marylandblue]

27. I don't think the U. S. will ever have single payer

But Democrats could run on some version of universal coverage, such as some European countries use.

[Demsrule86]

162. I agree with you. The idea that we will take away work related insurance which is where

the majority of Americans still get their health insurance, cost jobs in the insurance and related industries and get people to agree to the necessary taxes for single payer is wishful thinking. The Clintons tried in the 90's and Dems lost the Senate and the House in the midterms. Single payer is a bumper sticker at the moment, and it failed in Vermont. Even Californians are wary of it. We need to fix the ACA and introduce cost controls ...when we are back in power, we can try a public option.

[nini]

31. It's because we need to take the House back in 2018 and unfortunately

Last edited Mon Jul 10, 2017, 10:15 AM - Edit history (1)

there are plenty of ignorant people out there that will buy the BS they hear on Fox news against single payer because they simply do not understand it. 'Single Payer' is a boogeyman term with them at this point.

It fucking makes me crazy too that this is the way things are, but it is.

[NYResister]

40. absolutely not.

Millions of people right now are at risk of losing health care access because of the Republicans. What we need to do is fight like hell to save the ACA and regain seats in Congress. If we can regain control in Congress, we can fix the ACA and hopefully add a public option. Nancy Pelosi has always been an advocate for universal coverage, but she knows how difficult it is to get there and blowing up the ACA is not the way to go.

Nancy Pelosi is a strong, liberal voice. At a time where it is crucial that we retake the house, calling for Nancy Pelosi to be replaced is not helpful, and is a really bad idea.

[pirateshipdude]

42. Reason. Logic. Common sense. Eom

[brutus smith]

46. Maybe if we would have got single payer back in 2009

Nancy would still be speaker of the house. She has had her chance, time to move forward.

[Demsrule86]

103. The votes were not there and no we will not move on... a few malcontents will not destroy the best

speaker since Tip O'Neil... some folks want what is not possible and blame others when they don't get it.

[brutus smith]

149. What I want

is for the Dems to lead the house. What do you want?

[Demsrule86]

163. For Nancy Pelosi become speaker of the House after we take back the House....

What I don't want is for some who demand the impossible to ruin this chance. Single payer is an issue that can be demonized and reduce our chances in 18 and 20. It may never happen. We may end up with one of the European systems...and that is the truth.

[brutus smith]

182. By what you wrote

you think it is more important for Nancy Pelosi than it is for Dems to regain the house. Repubs have demonized Nancy and have won since 2010. I would take my chances with running with single payer.

[Demsrule86]

195. No, I think Nancy is important to stop Trump...and no matter who we put up the GOP will go after

them so I don't buy the argument that Nancy is a liability for taking the house'; any speaker is going to be demonized. I can't believe some would allow the GOP to pick our leaders...silly.

[brutus smith]

197. You have your opinion, I have mine.

[Demsrule86]

207. Never disputed that.

[sheshe2]

114. WE DID NOT HAVE THE VOTES!

Even Bernie admitted that. We did not have the votes.

As for Nancy she stays and will continue to lead our Democratic Party.

[mvd]

47. Good article!

Single payer truly is the best and easiest way to do it since we already have Medicare. I am morally against profits affecting any part of health care. If the Repukes keep pushing their horrid and unpopular bill, it makes no sense for us not to push a good bill with a much higher base of support. I feel Pelosi has misjudged this like she has on some other things. This is a great time to push it with alternatives to the ACA being discussed. The only thing is we should have a plan for the short term unemployment that would happen if we take away private health insurers. A job relocation program and community building.

[Blue_true]

53. She is exactly right. You won't force people to like something they don't understand.

That is suicidal.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

135. But you can lead people in the right direction!! Leaders lead, or so I thought.

[Demsrule86]

164. It may or may not be the right direction for this country. We don't know.

[ismnotwasm]

56. Bullshit.

[mountain grammy]

57. Very good article.

I disagree with Pelosi on this issue. I believe the comfort level is most definitely there and Americans are ready for single payer.

[NCTraveler]

58. The vote for the position wasn't that long ago.

She won big.

[lunasun]

62. Talk to your rep

The House of Representatives, with its large membership, has chosen majority and minority leaders since the 19th century to expedite legislative business and to keep their parties united. These leaders are elected every two years in secret balloting of the party caucus or conference. A list of House minority leaders from 1899 to

http://www.democraticleader.gov/newsroom/house-democrats-americas-caucus/

[broadcaster90210]

64. I've been a Pelosi supporter for years, but this is a deal breaker for me.

Replace her or we are never getting out of this Hell.

[Demsrule86]

158. Replace her and the GOP makes hell way worse. Why should she pay the price for shitty alt-left

Green and third party riffraff who didn't bother to vote for Clinton? Why should we pay more of price than we already have because of these people?

[NurseJackie]

66. She's right, you know. I love her honesty. She's very realistic. She's smart.

I support Nancy Pelosi.

[oasis]

71. Nancy Pelosi is a political guru. She's one of the best we have.

I've no problem with getting it done her way.

[Ccarmona]

77. Once Again I Will Self-Delete My Comments

So I don't run afoul of the DU's rules about criticizing one of our own.

[ZX86]

72. She's not right. She's wrong.

Over 50% of Americans want single payer and 75% of Democrats. That's not honesty. That's not realistic. That's not smart.

[pirateshipdude]

76. Then they should not have voted Republican President, Senate and House. Eom

[ZX86]

83. That dosen't make any sense.

What are you trying to say?

75% of Democrats want single payer but Pelosi should punish them because Trump won?

75% of Democrats want single payer but Pelosi is duty bound to honor Republican votes?

75% of Democrats want single payer but Pelosi can't represent them because Trump is President?

[pirateshipdude]

86. I am saying if 50% want single payer, you do not elect a Republican President, Senate, House. Eom

[ZX86]

87. That still doesn't make sense.

What are you trying say?

Pelosi is duty bound to represent Republicans?

What 75% of Democrats want doesn't matter?

Pelosi can only lead if Democrats win?

[NYResister]

88. It makes perfect sense.

Support Democrats.

Democrats are for accessible health care, Republicans are not.

[ZX86]

90. That still doesn't make any sense.

What are you trying to say?

Democrats should support Pelosi even if she goes against what 75% of Democrats want?

[NurseJackie]

89. She is smart.

[ZX86]

101. Going against what 75% of Democrats want is smart?

That doesn't make any sense.

[Demsrule86]

104. It can't happen...Democratic support is not enough and when the taxes it would take to get single

Payer became known, some Dems would bail too.

[NurseJackie]

110. Thank you. A voice of reason and reality.

[Demsrule86]

159. I fail to understand how when we have no branches of government, the alt-left expects Nancy to go

for something she can't get and could hurt us in the coming mid-terms...these people never consider winning elections gets you what you need not purging.

[NurseJackie]

176. It's a very immature and naive approach to politics. People like that...

... they want what they want and they want it RIGHT NOW!! I understand their frustration, but their approach is totally counterproductive. Attacking Democrats and the Democratic party only weakens us and moves us FURTHER AWAY from the things they desire. They are hurting the party.

You can't shout yourself to victory. That's not how it works in the real world.

[Demsrule86]

178. From what I have read this is the same bullshit that cost us elections in the 70's and 80's.

Imagine what Obama could have accomplished had we all had his back in 10.

[ZX86]

122. Democrats can never pass legislation that they want.

They can only pass legislation that Republicans want? Really?

[Demsrule86]

160. The GOP sure did not want the ACA...so that is untrue...we got what we could...and I guess

maybe those that didn't vote for Clinton ruined it for anyone who wanted single payer...because the GOP has it all and we can't get it...reality bites but then so does facing election consequences. Those who weaponized their votes will now pay the price. Sadly so will the rest of us.

[NurseJackie]

105. She's smart and realistic.

Not sure where your numbers are coming from. Sounds like wishful thinking fantasy hyperbole to me ... But whatever. Nancy isn't going anywhere until she's ready. Attacks from within only weaken our party. Stop it.

[ZX86]

106. It's coming from the Washington Post

Poll: Most Americans want to replace Obamacare with single-payer — including many Republicans

Well over half of Americans want to replace Obamacare with a single-payer system. That figure, amazingly, includes 41 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents




https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/05/16/most-americans-want-to-replace-obamacare-with-a-single-payer-system-including-a-lot-of-republicans/?utm_term=.e8ccd7280d9b

I'll be honest with you. I have members of my family who desperately need affordable health care. Given the choice of the health and well being of my family and the job of some multi-millionare worth over a hundred million dollars I'm going with my family.

No. It's not going to stop. Health care is a human right. I'm for human rights. I'm a Democrat.

[NurseJackie]

108. She is smart enough to know when the right time is...

I trust Nancy. I support Nancy. Smearing party leaders weakens the party and delays the progress you claim to want.

[ZX86]

115. WTF? Pelosi is like some deity now? Infallible like the Pope?

Never question her wisdom...."Pelosi works in mysterious ways". Let's be clear here. 75% of Democrats want single payer. Pelosi is against it. Her reason for that position doesn't seem to be based in reality. And that's a smear? That weakens the party? Maybe party leaders not doing what rank and file Democrats want is weakening the party? No?

[NurseJackie]

119. I wonder what the exact question was...

... and were the respondents aware of the costs and tax increase? Nancy is smart. She's wise. She's savvy. She knows better than you and I trust her. You should trust her too. Stop smearing Democrats.

Yes... She's just like the Pope. GMAFB

[ZX86]

124. Last time checked the Democratic Party wasn't a religious cult.

Fuck that, "She knows better than you and I". I'm not going to shave my head and bang some tambourine in the airport and I'm not going give blind allegiance to some politician. That's insane. 75% of Democrats want single payer. Pelosi is against it. That's the complete antithesis of the principals democracy and the principals of the Democratic Party.

[NYResister]

129. No, she's not against it.

But she knows how politics work.

And you might as well shave your head and bang your tambourine if you believe there is some magic wand that can grant you your wish, that you unfortunately believe Nancy has the power to grant you.

[NurseJackie]

143. No, you're wrong. She's not "against it". She's smart. She knows better. She's wise.

======================
"124. Last time checked the Democratic Party wasn't a religious cult."
======================
Actually, it's the Nancy-hate that has become a cult-like obsession. People need to check themselves and watch what they're saying. Plenty of people are skating on very thin ice.

BTW: Attacking party leaders and smearing Democrats and the Democratic party only weakens us and makes it more difficult to achieve the things that you claim are important to you.

You really need to stop. I can sympathize with your impatience, but Nancy Pelosi is not your enemy.

I support Nancy Pelosi completely. I trust her fully... you should to.

[brush]

184. Do you know at all how Congress works? The party in power controls...

what gets voted on. Ryan will not put single-payer on the floor of the House for a vote.

The Speaker of the House is the only one in government who has that power, even the president doesn't.

Pelosi nor any other Dem can do it either.

The party in power rules so we should concentrate on taking the House in 2018 instead of getting divided on whether to dump Pelosi or not.

Being divided contributed to us losing in 2016. Let's not make the same mistake again.

[Demsrule86]

153. I don't believe the number is anywhere close to 75%...and I doubt people have thought it through.

And yes if it is not possible, she has a duty to tell the truth...and Democrats are not enough...anyway; You need independents and Republicans...also I doubt many will want to pay the needed taxes. How many would lose their jobs at insurance companies? How much would it cost? What about wrap- around policy...medicare only pays 80%. It is not an easy thing at all and not possible with the GOP in charge of the government and arguing for something you can't get which the GOP will demonize in the coming elections is stupid...when we get back on power ...start with a public option. It is the only way. You are going to need a 60 vote majority in order to do even that.

[LenaBaby61]

69. How in HELL are we Dems going to vote for single-payer...

When the odds are that our votes may not even COUNT IE: GOP-lead Gerrymandering, voter-suppression off the chain, and HELP from the ruskies in ways we don't even KNOW about as of NOW that may give the GOP more states than the ons STOLEN like MI, PA, and WI.

[blueinredohio]

70. If you look it up alot of dems don't want single payer. Cory Booker included

[TexasBushwhacker]

80. "Alot" is not a majority of the electorate

Surveys have shown that more than 50% of the electorate want Medicare for all, including 75% of the Democrats and over 50% of the Independents.

[Demsrule86]

96. I don't believe that is true in the states we need to win in order to take the House.

There is no way we get single payer without a super majority...running on something that is not going to happen is foolish.

[Demsrule86]

155. You are kidding yourself. And I don't trust polls like that. We are in no position to

have another health care fight...we need to get back in power and start small with a public option.

[MerryBlooms]

73. Ridiculous demand. There's no way in hell I want Pelosi and her

power gone, we need her more than ever right now.
Besides, she's absolutely correct.

[Lunabell]

78. Yep.

This is exactly it. American people are clamoring for better healthcare. Corporatists need to listen to the people!

[we can do it]

79. Enough of the divisive bullshit.

[Midwestern Democrat]

85. I've made no secret that I've wanted Pelosi gone since 2010, but she is right on this. NT

[JHan]

93. uhm no, the fucking ridiculousness needs to stop.

[Demsrule86]

95. I agree with her.

Single payer is not going to happen. They should make retaining the ACA a the theme. People understand the ACA and now like...why give the GOP an opening?

[Proud Liberal Dem]

179. +1000

Saving the ACA is where the real fight is at the moment. We are just now, 7 years on, getting to a point where a majority of Americans want ACA to stay in place and fix it. They definitely don't like the GOP bill but it's hard to say that enough Americans will actually get behind a single-payer system (yet), especially since it can't seem to even get off the ground in progressive states like Vermont and California. Making Nancy Pelosi or any other candidate run on SP and essentially making it a litmus test right at this very moment seems like a wrong move.

[m-lekktor]

97. I agree. nt

[Wiseman32218]

102. She has made mistakes for sure but

she is a good leader and needs to stay in her current position.

[sheshe2]

117. No she does not. eom!

[FreepFryer]

121. LOL. Nope. (n/t)

[mr_liberal]

127. She's trying to keep her job by showing she can smackdown the left. nm

[NYResister]

130. bullshit. just bullshit.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

134. Seems like a pretty poor strategy to me.

[Hekate]

136. Really? So that's why the people of San Francisco keep re-electing her!

Ow, stop it. My sides hurt.

[betsuni]

140. "the left"

[obamanut2012]

146. lulz

SHE IS THE LEFT

[BainsBane]

206. "Sanders: Single Payer Never Had A Chance"

“It would have had 8 or 10 votes and that’s it,” he said, addressing a topic central in the minds of many who the bloggers and left wing talk show hosts gathered for the 4th annual Senate Democratic Progressive Media Summit in Washington reach everyday."

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/sanders-single-payer-never-had-a-chance

[Foamfollower]

132. Bullshit! Pelosi is RIGHT!

IT may be a great platform to run on in some districts, but nationally in 2018, we would actually lose seats with that as a platform.

[betsuni]

133. I find this obsession with leadership a little ... authoritarian.

Where's the leadership, we need strong leadership, that's not leading -- it never ends.

Pelosi's job is to herd the sheep, round up the strays, get them from the fields back to the barn (or wherever sheep live) and she's the best at it. I like the scary angry face she made when that jerk Republican shouted "You lie!" at Obama during a SOTU address. Not a face you'd want to see looking at you if you're wandering off from your flock.

[Hekate]

137. Yep. Some people don't seem to realize how important it is that not one Dem voted for ...

...the GOP abomination to repeal Obamacare this year. And they don't realize that Nancy did that.

Stupid. Stupid and self-destructive.

[Jim Lane]

138. What Pelosi says on this doesn't really matter

With her saying that Democrats should not make single-payer a central theme in 2018, some Democratic candidates will do so anyway.

If she switched to saying that Democrats SHOULD make single-payer a central theme in 2018, some Democratic candidates would ignore her advice and oppose single payer.

There are 435 House districts, plus the Senate seats that will be up. In some very conservative areas, the Democrat will probably talk about fixing the problems with the ACA. In some very liberal areas, it would be political suicide for a Democrat NOT to support single payer.

Candidates, whether incumbents or challengers, will reach their own judgments about what's good policy and what their voters want. (Whether that's the order of importance is a separate question.) Catering to Nancy Pelosi will be pretty far down on their list of priorities.

I'll give a different answer if Pelosi shows a pattern of tilting DCCC support away from candidates who support single payer. If she does that, then, yes, she should go.

[VOX]

139. For 2018, she's right; but for 2020, single-payer makes a great campaign issue.

2018 is basically...now. The American people and public officials are completely preoccupied in dealing with Trump fatigue and his non-stop outrageous bullshit, which will probably still be going on next year. Do not let the critical theme of single payer get drowned out in that shitstorm.

Start mentioning it in 2018 to be sure, as an ultimate goal, but 2020 would be much more advantageous in terms of communicating the idea, and allowing the ultimate Democratic presidential candidate to run on that as one of her/his planks.

[obamanut2012]

144. Just stop -- she is a courageous and effective leader

We have the ACA because of her.

Ridiculous and obvious.

[whathehell]

148. You "just stop'.

I happen to support Nancy -- What no one should support are commands to stop the discussion.

[Orrex]

147. Can you provide a list...

Of Democratic Representatives who have called for impeachment and for single-payer?

Since we're throwing Pelosi to the wolves, I'd like to know who we've got on deck.


Thanks!

[Blue_Tires]

150. America clearly wasn't ready for single payer with Obama+Dem congress

Why would they be ready for it now??

[samnsara]

151. well guess i wont be asked to judge THIS one!

[underthematrix]

152. I agree with Nancy Pelosi. This is not rocket science

Americans have been MANIPULATED into not trusting our federal govt and our institutions We can't win if we lack the critical thinking skills to act in own interest.

The majority of the American public is not ready for single payer. Yes it would be great but we're not there yet.

[sharedvalues]

154. GOP's demonization of Pelosi is so effective that even Democrats believe it The Boston Globe

http://www.saidbenrida.com/gops-demonization-of-pelosi-is-so-effective-that-even-democrats-believe-it-the-boston-globe/

[La Lioness Priyanka]

161. LOL. that is the exact reason why she is leader

because she doesn't ask democrats whose constituents think single payer is nonsense to go along with it. most of the party now, including Bernie have come out for public option and that is something that the party is more aligned with

Link to tweet

[Gothmog]

165. The JPR types really hate Pelosi

I do not care about JPR types

[betsuni]

174. +1

[RussBLib]

169. Where are her criticisms of 45?

Opposition to 45 is muted when they should be yelling from the rooftops.

[MineralMan]

171. Check the number of replies to your OP and then check the number of Recs.

We disagree with your assessment and with Moyers. We need to come together as Democrats, not pull apart. Put your energy into electing Democrats in your own state to Congress. You're wasting your time with this nonsense.

[WoonTars]

209. Except not really...

No room for new ideas in your ideal Democratic party then?

Pelosi is the face of the establishment Dems, and needs to either get with the program, or move out of the way.

For the good of the country we cannot allow "impeachment is not on the table" Pelosi to ruin the Dems chances of halting the Drumpf/gop agenda.

[mcar]

172. All this stuff going down with Trump/Russia

and here's a random slam Pelosi OP.

[brush]

185. Yeah, right? We can't keep our mouths shut while the repugs are getting raked...

Last edited Mon Jul 10, 2017, 02:36 PM - Edit history (3)

over the coals for Russian collusion with a new development everyday.

For God's sake, let them have the spotlight as they self-destruct.

We don't need to distract from this and shout out: "Hey, look at us, we want attention too at how divided we are. We want Pelosi gone even though putting single-payer on the House floor for a vote is not within the power of the Minority Leader."

Do these people even know that the only person who can allow a bill to be voted on by the House is the Speaker of the House, and that Randian, sociopath Paul Ryan is not about to let that happen?

Pelosi is right. Let's concentrate on winning the House back in 2018 then a Dem will be Speaker and can put a single-payer bill to the floor for a vote.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

177. No. No. No.

I want some kind of universal/single payer/medicare-for-all system as much as everybody else but I also realize that, regardless of what some people say, it's not actually a slam-dunk for getting something passed anytime soon (enhanced background checks poll well too but we can't even those actually passed either) and IMHO we can't afford to make it- or anything else- a particular litmus test for candidates for office, leadership, etc.- right now. We still need to ensure that the progress that we HAVE made in terms of the ACA doesn't get destroyed/rolled-back at the moment. Then we need to rebuild our Congressional majorities and win some more statehouses in 2018 and 2020 and, of course, getting Trump out of the WH at least by 2020. We have a brilliant House tactician in Nancy Pelosi and, by no means, should we run her out of her position over this. Her critics got a chance to vote for somebody else at the start of this Congress and they still overwhelmingly picked her. Her critics need to follow her lead and support her until the next Congress and regular opportunity to pick another leader comes along. Now is the time to be fighting against Trump/GOP, not each other over things that are not realistically going to be enacted anytime soon.

[treestar]

190. The people who decide that matter are the Democrats

elected to Congress. She could only be "replaced" by another Democrat in Congress who has more votes than she does from the group of Democratic Representatives in Congress. What they think of the matter is the only thing that matters, not DU opinion. Why do we talk of this as if we have much say? We can only campaign the other Congressional Democrats.

[bresue]

203. I thought we were not supposed to bash Dems per rules on this board?

[BainsBane]

205. I comfort myself in knowing

that the self-appointed political experts of the interwebs have absolutely no say in the House leadership.

[Blue_Tires]

208. Single payer would be great, but right now

it's not a hill I'm willing to die on...

Call me bitter, but I *really* fucking wish that these born-again Single Payer advocates spoke up a bit louder in 2009-10 when there was an outside chance of it becoming reality...