Republicans Will Have No Choice But To Support the Healthcare Bill

[berni_mccoy]

I believe the way this Bill is forming up and is being presented is going to make life very difficult for Republicans. For the first time in decades, I think the Democrats have outmaneuvered the GOP, and it is on a HUGE issue. As DUer Time for Change has so clearly put it, the Republicans can't afford to allow this bill to pass (see: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6069463 ).

But if they stand in the way, they are going to hurt their party, possibly with a mortal political wound. As I recently posted ( http://journals.democraticunderground.com/berni_mccoy/700 ), the Healthcare bill looks like a winner. And Americans are going to want this very badly. The benefits look great, no one can be denied coverage or services, those making less than 4x poverty will be covered freely and for the rest the premiums are very affordable (in fact, much less expensive than the current private, for-profit, insurance premiums). Better yet, there is a clear plan to pay for it. It will save tens of thousands of Americans each year.

Go ahead Republicans, get in the way of this bill. For once, you are damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Your best bet is to get on board now and make strong statements in favor of the plan. Show your bipartisan effort in this or forever be viewed as the party of NO and those who favor wealth over humanity.

[Enrique]

1. they can't support it

their base would never swallow the cost and tax increases.

[berni_mccoy]

2. The tax increase only hits the top 1%. They are going to have a very tough time with that excuse.

[DJ13]

4. Their supporters are bred to see "tax increase" and lose all rationality

[hobbit709]

3. Most of their base would qualify on the poverty level.

But "Vote Republican, It's Easier Than Thinking"

[BanzaiBonnie]

5. For the the two of us...

If we make less than about $58, 000 a year, we're covered for free. Is that right?

[berni_mccoy]

6. The details of that are not available. You may pay some small amount

but it won't be much for two people living on 58k.

[Eric J in MN]

7. John Boehner: 'it is criminal malpractice for Democrats to push a government takeover...'

'...of health care and a new small-business tax that will destroy more American jobs.'

The majority of Republicans in the House and Senate will vote No.

http://www.freep.com/article/20090715/NEWS15/90714099/House-Democrats-propose-surtax-on-rich-to-pay-for-health-care-

[kjackson227]

8. They can't support it because they've got to cater to the right-wing whack jobs that...

are the leaders of that party. They are absolutely caught between a rock and a hard place. I love it.