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Clinton Complains About Obama Health Care Ad

Hillary Clinton is hitting back at an Obama ad that resurrects a months old attack on her health care plan — arguing that it would force those who can’t afford a health care plan to buy one anyway.

At a rally in York, PA, Clinton said “I just heard that my opponent has put up an ad attacking my health care plan, which is kind of curious, because my plan covers everybody and his leaves out 15 million people – just leaves them out in the cold.”

“Now, instead of attacking the problem, he chooses to attack my solution. I don’t think that we can just make speeches about this – we have to have a plan that we can actually implement that will provide quality affordable health care. That’s what I’ve been fighting for for 15 years, and that’s what I will fight for as your president,” she said.

The Clinton campaign argues that the ad’s attacks — which first surfaced in a piece of direct mail in January — are false, since her plan would make sure everyone could afford coverage. Aides also insist that her plan would cut costs more than Obama’s — an assertion their rival campaign disputes.

The Obama campaign says their TV advertisement is merely a response to attack ads by the independent pro-Clinton American Leadership Project, which claim that under Obama’s plan, “you would either be one of the millions without coverate, or youll keep paying more to provide emergency health care for the millions of uninsured.”

“Given that they have been engaging in a self-professed ‘kitchen sink’ strategy that Senator Clinton describes as ‘the fun part,’ their charges today are laughable,” says Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan. “While they continue to employ the say-and-do-anything tactics of the past, Senator Obama is going to focus on the issues that are affecting the American people.

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397 Responses to “Clinton Complains About Obama Health Care Ad”

Comment by Molly

GO HILLARY !!
HILLARY/HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE!!!!
Obama is ARROGANT and will not win due to his questionable background!

 
Comment by American Woman

“Now, instead of attacking the problem, he chooses to attack my solution. I don’t think that we can just make speeches about this – we have to have a plan that we can actually implement that will provide quality affordable health care. That’s what I’ve been fighting for for 15 years, and that’s what I will fight for as your president,” she said.

Well this issue was agrued in how many debates?…Hey NOBama…lets have another debate….I’m sure ABC would agree…I’m sure Hillary would agree…How about you?

Go Hillary

 
Comment by julie35

Yes, thats it come on Obama, another debate! unless of course your afraid to?

 
Comment by Debbie

Yes, come on Obama. Let’s all see a debate in which you can tell us all about Your plans for America. Unless you’re afraid of a Woman.

 
Comment by julie35

I forgot I have a question for the Obama supporters. If Obama was ,lets say Asian-American or Arab-American or Indian-American would you still support his empty promises?

 
Comment by ICHOPE

Hilliary, you’ve been fighting for Health Care for 15 years. How many more years do you need to get it done? and after 15 years, what have you accomplished to get it done?

 
Comment by Jane in PA

This is pure trash from Obama on Friday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoOFp-RDpvM&eurl

NOT MY NOMINEE

 
Comment by bk

We need another debate so more americans can see the real Obama. Arrogant and doesn’t have a clue what he is talking about.

 
Comment by notadem 08

I am a republican reading this article. For the sake of our nation’s future we all had better help Hillary get elected. Although I will support McCain, I hope and pray that Hillary will get the Dem. nomination. Hussien Osama shuold not even have a chance at the presidency, because if he was any other race than black we would not even know whom he was (besides the least experienced canidate for pesident EVER !!!!!!!!!). His ignorance is only surpassed by his treachery, he will say anything to get elected and stick it to all of us “bitter small townies clinging to our guns and religion”.

 
Comment by dk

I hope the news reporters talk about Obama giving Hillary the finger in his speech. He is an absolute pig and doesn’t deserve to be the President. Where is the outrage from the media and people. This is an absolute disgrace. He may disagree with his opponent, but he is nothing more than a cry baby and a thug. Hillary Clinton was a First Lady and no matter what his beef, she deserves to be treated with respect.

This is so typical of the immature Obamabots and the Obama campaign. God Help America.

 
Comment by kathy WI

Parents, educate your kids even if they are 18 and up. If talking doesnt work, use threats to cut off their allowance or not pay their tuition….any thing. No Bomma!!! Kids like money. Let them know they will have less if he’s in either from tax increases, more jobs leaving (taxed 0ut). He is the most liberal senator. Liberal means tax and spend.
He’s weak and would let our enemies get away with killing us. He wants to talk and appease them. They are laughing their heads off and praying for him to win. He has no clue!
Slick talk is not strength. Look what happened with Clinton when he ignored the protection of the USA

 
Comment by hrao

Obama cannot even come up with new slogans - “say anything and do anything to win” - I wonder if he is just working for Hillary to win - he is saying and doing every thing to win - he also is knocking Washington - why is he working so hard to get there? He will not end the war, he will not provide any jobs (at least ones that pay a living wage) - He will lose to McCain.

 
Comment by Patricia

FOXNEWS must be for Cllinton - four articles in a row!!!!

I think it is fair game for the opposition to bring up Bosnia if she feels she can bring up “bitter.”

Like she said earlier - this is politics.

 
Comment by hugh

universal care promised by Hilary is good, I would rather have a new SUV and house that will be another promise by the old girl. Where was Billy during the debate? banned to a corner by her majesty Hilary?

 
Comment by ari

Sign of weakness, hope that Hillary wins since they fear a opponent with formidable coffers and momentum. plus they know how to attack the clintons, with Obama not that simple; experience doesnt resonate-Hillary tried that. Seems every controversy he handles well, and now strategy is to point that change is false message, he is just a liberal with same story as all liberals.
Mccain has his own problems since he is hardly scrutinized this election. Like; McCain voted against a 650 million dollar increase in veterans medical care funding right before 9/11. He voted against increasing VA funding by 1.8 billion dollars in 2004. He voted against increasing VA funding by 1.5 billion dollars in 2006. He voted against 430 million dollars for VA outpatient care in 2006. He voted against the 20 billion dollar VA medical facilities upgrade bill also in 2006. And of course he’s not supporting the new GI bill.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (Veterans of Foreign Wars in Kansas City, MO, April 7, 2008): “Whatever our commitments to veterans cost, we will keep them, as you have kept every commitment to us. The honor of a great nation is at stake.”

 
Comment by EJ

ICHOPE - What a stupid post. Yes, Senator has been trying to get universal health care since her husband was in the White House, but you’d have to be deaf, dumb, blind and little bit stupid not to see the difference in the influence you would have as the President of the USA over what you have as a Senator or First Lady. Go home, take two aspirins and call your baby obama tomorrow.

 
Comment by EJ

Oops, meant Senator Clinton in the first line, not just Senator.

 
Comment by TRUTH-BE-KNOWN

To provide for a deficit-neutral reserve fund for providing an above the line Federal income tax deduction for individuals purchasing health insurance outside the workplace OBAMA-NAY—–

 
Comment by RS

Go Hillary… you can do it… Obama is just a talk..nothing else….

 
Comment by Loyd

Hey Hillary fans (And especially Hillary haters!) Go check this post out on youtube and get back to me about it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaAkcXynqLA

 
 
Comment by KERRY

Obama is a communist, extreme left wing liberal.
Obama is a racist and hates America.
Obama is an egomaniac who thinks he is doing a great favor to America simply by running for President.
Obama’s loyalty is to Africa not America which is mean accoriding to Ms.Obama.
Obama is as corrupt as every other politician, and was hand in hand with shady characters in Chicago politics.
Obama lies through his teeth when he says he is a different kinda politician. More like he is a different kinda liar, a slick snake oil salesman.
================================
SAY NO TO OBAMA.
ANYONE ELSE BUT NOT OBAMA’08
================================

 
Comment by Molly

GO HILLARY !!!!
Seems the obama group has gone way negative - thought he was the candidate of Change?
I guess he is really desperate and now will attack Clinton and say anything to try to win.
Obama will not win due to his radical friends and questionable background.

 
Comment by Barry

ari

It seems your’re pretty good with statistics. How many times did Obama have a chance to make a decision and show his judgment, but instead merely voted “present”? How many times did McCain and Clinton do the same? If he can’t decide on the issues in the senate when they come up for a vote, how will he handle it when a bill crosses his desk for a signature? As President, he will not have that luxury. He needs to take a stand. In my opinion, his lack of taking a stand on the issues in the Senate tells me he doesn’t have the judgment that is needed to become President of the United States of America.

 
Comment by jacksmith

MY FELLOW “BITTER”, STUPID, WORKING CLASS PEOPLE

If you think like Barack Obama, that WORKING CLASS PEOPLE are just a bunch of “BITTER”!, STUPID, PEASANTS, Cash COWS!, and CANNON FODDER. :-(

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience can fix an economy on the verge of collapse better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) led the greatest economic expansion, and prosperity in American history.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience fighting for universal health care can get it for you better than Hillary Clinton. Who anticipated this current health care crisis back in 1993, and fought a pitched battle against overwhelming odds to get universal health care for all the American people.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience can manage, and get us out of two wars better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) went to war only when he was convinced that he absolutely had to. Then completed the mission in record time against a nuclear power. AND DID NOT LOSE THE LIFE OF A SINGLE AMERICAN SOLDIER. NOT ONE!

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience saving the environment is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) left office with the greatest amount of environmental cleanup, and protections in American history.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with little or no education experience is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) made higher education affordable for every American. And created higher job demand and starting salary’s than they had ever been before or since.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience will be better than Hillary Clinton who spent 8 years at the right hand of President Bill Clinton. Who is already on record as one of the greatest Presidents in American history.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that you can change the way Washington works with pretty speeches from Obama, rather than with the experience, and political expertise of two master politicians ON YOUR SIDE like Hillary and Bill Clinton..

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think all those Republicans voting for Obama in the Democratic primaries, and caucuses are doing so because they think he is a stronger Democratic candidate than Hillary Clinton.

Best regards

jacksmith… Working Class

p.s. You Might Be An Idiot!

If you don’t know that the huge amounts of money funding the Obama campaign to try and defeat Hillary Clinton is coming in from the insurance, and medical industry, that has been ripping you off, and killing you and your children. And denying you, and your loved ones the life saving medical care you needed. All just so they can make more huge immoral profits for them-selves off of your suffering…

You see, back in 1993 Hillary Clinton had the audacity, and nerve to try and get quality, affordable universal health care for everyone to prevent the suffering and needless deaths of hundreds of thousands of you each year.

Approx. 100,000 of you die each year from medical accidents from a rush to profit by the insurance, and medical industry. Another 120,000 of you die each year from treatable illness that people in other developed countries don’t die from. And I could go on, and on…

 
Comment by jacksmith

DON’T BE DUPED !!!

Large numbers of Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses from early on. Because they feel he would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. With Hillary Clinton you are almost 100% certain to get quality, affordable universal health care very soon.

But first, all of you have to make certain that Hillary Clinton takes the democratic nomination and then the Whitehouse. NOW! is the time. THIS! is the moment you have all been working, and waiting for. You can do this America. “Carpe diem” (harvest the day).

I think Hillary Clinton see’s a beautiful world of plenty for all. She’s a woman, and a mother. And it’s time America. Do this for your-selves, and your children’s future. You will have to work together on this and be aggressive, relentless, and creative. Americans face an even worse catastrophe ahead than the one you are living through now.

You see, the medical and insurance industry mostly support the republicans with the money they ripped off from you. And they don’t want you to have quality, affordable universal health care. They want to be able to continue to rip you off, and kill you and your children by continuing to deny you life saving medical care that you have already paid for. So they can continue to make more immoral profits for them-selves.

Hillary Clinton has actually won by much larger margins than the vote totals showed. And lost by much smaller vote margins than the vote totals showed. Her delegate count is actually much higher than it shows. And higher than Obama’s. She also leads in the electoral college numbers that you must win to become President in the November national election. HILLARY CLINTON IS ALREADY THE TRUE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE!

As much as 30% of Obama’s primary, and caucus votes are Republicans trying to choose the weakest democratic candidate for McCain to run against. These Republicans have been gaming the caucuses where it is easier to vote cheat. This is why Obama has not been able to win the BIG! states primaries. Even with Republican vote cheating help.

Hillary Clinton has been OUT MANNED! OUT GUNNED! and OUT SPENT! 4 and 5 to 1. Yet Obama has only been able to manage a very tenuous, and questionable tie with Hillary Clinton.

If Obama is the democratic nominee for the national election in November he will be slaughtered. Because the Republican vote cheating help will suddenly evaporate. All of this vote fraud and republican manipulation has made Obama falsely look like a much stronger candidate than he really is. YOUNG PEOPLE. DON’T BE DUPED! Think about it. You have the most to lose.

The democratic party needs to fix this outrage. Everyone needs to throw all your support to Hillary Clinton NOW! So you can end this outrage against YOU the voter, and against democracy.

The democratic party, and the super-delegates have a decision to make. Are the democrats, and the democratic party going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee to fight for the American people. Or are the republicans going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee through vote fraud, and gaming the DEMOCRATIC party primaries, and caucuses.

Fortunately the Clinton’s have been able to hold on against this fraudulent outrage with those repeated dramatic comebacks of Hillary Clinton’s. Only the Clinton’s are that resourceful, and strong. Hillary Clinton is your NOMINEE. They are the best I have ever seen.

“This is not a game” (Hillary Clinton)

Sincerely

jacksmith… Working Class :-)

 
Comment by TRUTH-BE-KNOWN

Michele Obama , isn’t it amazing that in 2004 her earnings were $122,000/yr. and her slary after this earmark is now $325,000 I think it was introduced by Senator Obama AFTER his wife got her raise.What’s so amazing about Michelle Obama’s raise? First, what’s it worth to the hospital to have an employee whose husband is a U. S. Senator and is sponsoring a $1 million (maybe that’s a down payment) grant to build a new pavilion? You actually think Obama will do any harm to his wife’s special interest? What did he say $2500 off a year for health insurance big wow.My mother pays $13,500 a year on health insurance, that is her whole SS check plus. $2500 a year What A SAVINGS! What we need are some caps.

 
Comment by Independent Voter

You Clintonites are sounding very “bitter” and somewhat desperate. Just calm down and go vote for
that liar and criminal that you love. JS you might be an idiot yourself. Julie…I have one for you!
Would you support Clinton if she wasn’t a woman. Think for yourself and use your brain and not your
genitalia. P.S. You sound a little racist….bye-bye losers….

 
Comment by Barry

Can anyone tell me what Obama has accomplished from his time being in politics? I hear what he is wanting to do, but what has he actually done to show that he is capable of being more than talk?

 
Comment by EJ

BHO health care plan not only leaves out those adults who decide they don’t want to carry insurance, it also places the burden of paying the medical costs for those people on those who are responsible enough to keep insurance. My husband and I pay close to $7,000 per year for medical and prescription insurance, and we still have a portion that comes out of our pocket. It is a deisgrace how our medical and insurance big wigs have raped the American people. We need a COMPLETE universal health care, call it socialism, I don’t care, if something isn’t done to curb these high costs, the senior citizens will be wiped out, maybe that’s what the government wants. They have already stolen all the money from SS and Medicare, and things are getting worse all the time. I truly believe the one person who will fight, fight, fight to get us back on the right track is Senator Clinton. Wake up and vote Clinton for president.

 
Comment by RC MO.

Barry, nothing.

 
Comment by Mondell Dillard, Jr.

Comment by EJ
April 19th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
BHO health care plan not only leaves out those adults who decide they don’t want to carry insurance, it also places the burden of paying the medical costs for those people on those who are responsible enough to keep insurance. My husband and I pay close to $7,000 per year for medical and prescription insurance, and we still have a portion that comes out of our pocket. It is a deisgrace how our medical and insurance big wigs have raped the American people. We need a COMPLETE universal health care, call it socialism, I don’t care, if something isn’t done to curb these high costs, the senior citizens will be wiped out, maybe that’s what the government wants. They have already stolen all the money from SS and Medicare, and things are getting worse all the time. I truly believe the one person who will fight, fight, fight to get us back on the right track is Senator Clinton. Wake up and vote Clinton for president.
_____________________________________________

Part of the problem is that neither Dems’ health plan addresses fixing the high cost, just shifting who has to pay for it! Both claim to achieve SOME savings through eliminating fraud and waste, but as Senators, able to introduce legislation, NEITHER has yet done so or been able to get the problem fixed. As President, neither will even be able to introduce bills but have to rely on allies in Congress to not only introduce it, but get it based for the President to sign. If they cannot do it now as Senators, the “bully pulpit” won’t do it either.

 
Comment by LEW

I’m sure this is a waste of time for me as none of my other comments have never been posted because of my being a strong supporter of Sen. Obama. I as other know that Fox News is not a strong advocate of Sen Obama. But I will try one more time to voice my opinions about Sen. Clinton. As being in the MAJORITY when it comes to Barrick Obama this will all be over by June 3rd and he will go on to become the FIRST Black President of this wonderful country that I live in and have fought for and now see before us a new and fresh change on the horizon. No more Bush’s and no more Clinton’s with no more lies and no more sniper fighter in our future. Alot of her staunches supporters were on her bandwagon before the Super Tuesday Elections. Boy did they make a big mistake and now can’t get off the bandwagon. Fewer delegates, fewer states and fewer votes and add to that ratings of 59% in not being trustworty and 50% of not being electable. But just like her you Clinton supporters keep up your winning and keep watching out for the sniper fire. One last comment, I’m a 65 old white make who jumped off the Clinton bandwagon before our state voted thank God!

 
Comment by LEW

I’m sorry about my last post, I meant to say that Sen Clinton had an unfavorable rating of 59% for being trustworthy and a 40% favorable rtating for being electable compared to Sen. Obama’s 65% for being electable. Sorry again but HEY we all misspeak at times don”t we!!

 
Comment by RC MO.

Universal health care is socialism. I have good insurance now, and I provide it free to my 88 employees. Competition between companies, is what drives the industry. The way it stands now is, some people have good coverage, some have decent coverage, some have crappy coverage, and some have none at all. Insurance is no different than any other consumer product. You get what you pay for. I think the Government should stay out of it completely. What it will do is take the competition out of the equation, forcing multiple companies to go under, and if you have good coverage now, you will be forced to go backwards. Everyone might have affordable health care, but affordable coverage is substandard coverage. Remember, you get what you pay for. Would you rather have a new car, a vacation, plasma TV etc., or good insurance. Once again, people want the Government to handle another segment of their life for them.The only thing that will change is, if you work now, and have good insurance, you will lose it. Instead you get crappy insurance like everyone else, and you still have to pay for yours, but you also get to pay for everyone elses too. It`s basically just a tax. A bailout for the medical system, on the American workers dime.

 
Comment by BP123

Obama is just full of hot air….I just saw 1 page of his senate votes….He did not vote on that page…….Where is he getting all that money to campaign on????He/Michelle REALLY thinks
Americans are ignorant…….He/Michelle turned the racial bit on us Americans, when its really
Obama/Michelle/AND Their Mentor thats racists….All the people I have talked to are really
fed up with Obama/Michelle….The reason he talks about Hillary….He just can’t answer the
questions that are asked…..He hates all Americans, plus He hates America…For what
America stands for….FREEDOM……Do you think if he becomes President he would know
or care, how to protect America???…..He is too full of self….Stuttering around and lieing
just won’t get the job done…..Go Hillary…We are hoping you win….

 
Comment by John_Lai

Go Hillary,

Elizabeth Edwards says your Health insurance plan is the best.

 
Comment by SAM4OB

sen. clinton will say anything that the people want to hear..

 
Comment by SAM4OB

why arent my comments being posted???????????????????

 
Comment by SAM4OB
 
Comment by SAM4OB
 
Comment by SAM4OB

hillary has nothing on sen. obama

 
Comment by ShowMeSt

Barry, Obama did DUMB, socialist garbage or voted PRESENT in the Senate. HOPING FOR McCAIN/ROMNEY, Romney was my 1st choice by FAR in experience, class, dignity, background. Obama, Shrill - - absolute socialist, arrogant limo liberals in sheep’s clothing…….foooooling the numb & dumb BIG TIME.

 
Comment by ICHOPE

EJ, I guess I am stupid and blind, why didn’t she get it done as First Lady when she first attempted with her husband was the president? Was she paying more attention to NAFTA?

 
Comment by ShowMeSt

BP123, yes VERY weak, ANYone can be “slick” when they are saying NOTHING with “emotion”. What have we sunk to?? Cheerleader in Chief? Come on!!! I vote for a requirement for Prez candidate to have been a COMBAT VETERAN, or run a REAL successful business or at very LEAST SUCCESSFUL governor of state, kept taxes low, kept within budget, solutions for poor………ROMNEY did all that and McCain of course is a combat VETERAN!!!!

 
Comment by Al Yankadic

obama stinks go hillary

 
Comment by ShowMeSt

Shrill couldn’t get healthcare done because it was crap and SOCIALIST 101 and would cost $$$$$$$$$$$$ along with her bimbo bashing & trashing, not a problem he cheated just when media reported it.

 
Comment by Al spankhisstik
 
Comment by Al spankhisstik

i hope the pa polls arfe wrong and hillary is crushing the big spender

 
Comment by ari

Financial times
McCain faces accusations of hypocrisy
Published: April 18 2008 19:36 | Last updated: April 19 2008
John McCain on Friday faced accusations of hypocrisy for failing to disclose his wife’s tax records, despite his promise to bring greater transparency and accountability to government.
Thought so already, same happened to Kerry, he has to do at some point, otherwise you get serious questions, like what are you hiding? next also his medical records, that he promised he will release.

 
Comment by tom in pa

cmon people go out in force for hillary our future depends on it

 
Comment by tom in pa
 
Comment by goatboy from africa

Chelsea party in Philly gaybars….Does Chelsea like bearded clams?

 
Comment by tom in pa

go hillary cmon everyone our future depends on this vote hillary

 
Comment by ari

He claims to be support veterans, but his record tell another story.

McCain voted against a 650 million dollar increase in veterans medical care funding right before 9/11. He voted against increasing VA funding by 1.8 billion dollars in 2004. He voted against increasing VA funding by 1.5 billion dollars in 2006. He voted against 430 million dollars for VA outpatient care in 2006. He voted against the 20 billion dollar VA medical facilities upgrade bill also in 2006. And of course he’s not supporting the new GI bill.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (Veterans of Foreign Wars in Kansas City, MO, April 7, 2008): “Whatever our commitments to veterans cost, we will keep them, as you have kept every commitment to us. The honor of a great nation is at stake.”

 
Comment by ICHOPE

EJ, count back 15 years…who was president? and when you count the years, she tried 7+ years while her husband was president, can she get it done this time, well it will probably be an excuse that she didn’t get her husband to agree, since they don’t agree on NAFTA.

 
Comment by Pamela

FreedomWorks
November 2, 2007

Hillary Clinton’s Plan for Health Care Disaster

Fourteen years ago, as First Lady, Hillary Clinton unloaded a health-care plan on the country. Complex, confusing, and restrictive, the thousand-page proposal outlined a radical overhaul of the nation’s health system, and a small band of grassroots activists quickly rose up to successfully oppose it. At 1,342 pages, it was the Hindenburg of health-care plans, and it went down in just as grand a fashion.
Now, Clinton is back with yet another health care plan, and she has learned some lessons. She is touting her plan as sleeker, leaner, more palatable to both businesses and individuals. But despite her claims, it is little more than the same ugly gift wrapped in different paper.

It is true, of course, that Clinton is a better salesperson this time around. Her time in the Senate has made her a shrewd, formidable political operator. Her current plan has been calculatingly formulated to avoid the appearance of bureaucratic complexity that helped doom its previous iteration. But whatever simplifications appear are more than likely mirages. In place of the labyrinth of programs and agencies that cluttered her last plan, Clinton has opted for vagueness. Many key decisions have been left up to Congress. And many of the plan’s points remain a mystery.

Those mysteries, however, have a purpose: to increase the role of the federal government—despite the fact that it already accounts for 44% of the nation’s health-care expenditures. Questions in the plan abound: What, exactly, will be covered? Are wigs, for example, a necessary treatment? When treatments are necessary, but resources are scarce and expensive, who decides what will be done—who will be treated and who will wait? Government-managed health care will never solve the problem of prioritization, but it will put those key, often life-saving decisions, in the hands of bureaucrats.

Hillary’s plan provides no answers, but these are neither easy nor minor decisions. The planning process is sure to be fraught with hardball politics, as every industry and interest group with a stake in the outcome will undoubtedly push and prod to have their service included in the plan. In the end, health-care lobbying firms will reap a windfall from the millions that will surely be spent trying to influence the size and shape of the program. And ultimately, federal regulators will define and mandate a health-care benefits package. Clinton’s vision of health care prizes bureaucratic sprawl over simplicity.

She claims, of course, that it will create “no new bureaucracy.” But this may end up being Clinton’s version of the elder Bush’s “read my lips” pledge. Her plan clearly calls for an army of new regulators and bureaucrats to monitor state-to-state insurance rules (so much for federalism) to the “fairness” of drug prices. How, exactly, the government will determine what is “fair” is unclear, but Clinton aims to do it.

Like her husband, Clinton seems remarkably adept at making words mean what they do not. Clinton’s calls her plan “Health Choices,” and the word “choice” figures large into her health-care rhetoric. Yet what she offers is the furthest thing from choice: It is a mandate. Her plan would require every American to purchase private insurance, and though she has been unwilling to list out penalties for those who do not, it’s a strong bet there will be some.

Meanwhile, insurance mandates are hardly a proven success. In California, despite a mandate that every driver have insurance, nearly a quarter do not. And in Massachusetts, where Gov. Mitt Romney has enacted a similar health-insurance mandate, fewer than 11% of the 170,000 residents who do not have insurance but make too much to qualify for subsidies have signed up. Without enforcement, Clinton’s plan would likely be a messy failure; with it, it would be an authoritarian nightmare.

But the government strong-arming does not stop there. Clinton’s plan would force price controls on drug manufacturers, almost certainly resulting in steep cuts in the research and development of new drugs, the kind that sustain and enrich the lives of millions today. Research has shown that even when Congress merely discusses such controls, the results are steep declines in the growth of pharmaceutical R&D budgets. Under Clinton’s plan, the miracle cures the drug industry steadily produces today could become a thing of the past. Yet still she claims that this is a plan geared toward providing “choices.”

She does, however, make one choice obvious: rejecting her plan, and indeed, her entire vision of government-managed health care. In a time when excessive spending tops the nation’s concerns, she freely admits that she would spend $110 billion each year in order to further entangle the government in medical care—and she would pay for it by raising taxes.

Yet Clinton, ever the careful politician, continues to sell her plan as if all of this was of no concern. As she travels the country promoting her candidacy and her plan, she sounds like a Hollywood movie director vigorously touting an upcoming summer sequel. But like most sequels, this one promises merely to be redundant, gaudier, and more expensive. Clinton’s $110 billion behemoth is a budget-buster, not a blockbuster, and it deserves to be a flop.

 
Comment by tom in pa

hillary as pres.will get health care done …

 
Comment by tom in pa

omg cmon pam give it up already ………..burn your bra and vote for hillary…..cmon its ok to admit she will do a better job

 
Comment by ari

Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also
let me in on another incident involving McCain’s intemperateness. In his 1992
Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as
well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point,
Cindy playfully twirled McCain’s hair and said, “You’re getting a little thin
up there.” McCain’s face reddened, and he responded, “At least I don’t plaster
on the makeup like a trollop, you c* **t.”
interview general:
I’m sure the libislamunistofascists are going to be all over this
screaming about misogyny and spousal abuse and using it as an example of
McCain’s instability, but I think it demonstrates that he has what it takes to
be president.

If he’s going to speak that way to his wife, imagine how
he’ll treat sensitive negotiations with the North Koreans, Iranians, and
Chinese. He’s going to be like Khrushchev pounding his shoe on the table,
demanding that everyone conform to his will.

It’s a shame so many people are willing to write McCain off simply
because he goes apes *hit at the drop of a hat. It’s prejudice in its ugliest
form. Good men should not be denied an opportunity to lead simply because they
are flat out crazy.

Some of America’s greatest leaders used their
insanity to great advantage. Nixon, for instance, was absolutely paranoid. He
thought everyone was out to get him. But he used his God-given paranoia to build
a state security apparatus that was unrivaled until Our Leader assumed
office.

 
Comment by RC

Stop complaining Hillary!!! Your DECEPTION is catching up with you. You are deceiving the American people and they need to know! If you can’t stand the heat, GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!!! Barak is comfortable in the kitchen. YOU CAN’T STOP HIM!

YES WE CAN! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT

 
Comment by marie

Obama`s running away at the mouth. Hillary has a better health plan,that will include everyone that wants it. If they have insurance and want to keep it fine, if they cannot afford insurance the government will subsidise it. So no one is left out. Read it on HillaryCliinton.com health care. He needs to admit that she has said this over and over to HIM in debate. What is he dumb.? Cannot be that dumb with all that college.!!!Or maybe no common sense is what the problem is with Obama,or trying to act like a person is isn`t!! Called a fair weather friend in my book. a FRIEND TILL HE GETS YOUR VOTE AND THEN FORGETS ABOUT YOU.
Vote Hillary, like Ohio, you are good hard working ,proud Americans, and she knows that. Support her to the Whitehouse.

 
Comment by Mondell Dillard, Jr.

Comment by ari
April 19th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Financial times
McCain faces accusations of hypocrisy
Published: April 18 2008 19:36 | Last updated: April 19 2008
John McCain on Friday faced accusations of hypocrisy for failing to disclose his wife’s tax records, despite his promise to bring greater transparency and accountability to government.
______________________________________

Quit your belly-aching, nosy. Senator McCain released HIS tax returns, but since he and his wife do not file jointly, he is under no obligation to allow you nosy-nellies to see his spouse’s. Senator Clinton and Senator Obama decided to file JOINT returns with their spouses, thus revealing spousal information for your prurient interests. Would you demand to see Chelsea’s tax forms also?

 
 
 
Comment by Marcy Harris

Hillary care is very similar to the Canadian system. I live a couple of hours from the Canadian border an Canadians pour over the border all the time to get REALmedical care here in the United States. Don’t destroy the bes health care system in America by either Hillary Care or Barak’s ridiculous non-plan for health care.

My son lived in France–same Hillary-like health care. He was FRIGHTENED to get ill. The care was abominable. Free enterprise produces the best care every time. I like Mitt Romney’s private insurance plan for everyone with subsidies to make it available to those who truly cannot afford it at a reduced rate or free. Actually cheaper than he state support of emergency rooms. Seem to be working well in Mass.

Obama sure sounds desparate in this attack ad. I hope Hill an beat him as it now looks possible with super delegates moving her way and a big win expected in Pennsylvania. Barak was too arrogant and condescening in his talk in SF. Shame on you, you limo lib.

 
Comment by ari

MR. HUNT: - you mentioned tax returns. On Friday, you released your tax returns, but not your wife’s, who is a wealthy woman. Now, Hillary Clinton released Bill Clinton’s tax returns. Four years ago, John Kerry released Theresa Heinz’ returns to avoid being accused of hiding any wealth. Will you release your wife’s returns before this election is over?

SEN. MCCAIN: I never have, Al, because my wife and I - we have separate incomes, we have a prenuptial agreement, and her business is her business. I have never been involved in it since before I ran for the Congress of the United States and so I just feel that she has a right to a separate tax return.

MR. HUNT: Could you personify transparency? And don’t you think if you’re running for president with different rules, don’t you think Americans should know as much about the McCain family wealth as they do about the Obamas or the Clintons?

SEN. MCCAIN: I think they would respect the fact that my wife has her own business and her own life. But I understand your comment and I appreciate it.

 
Comment by Obama Nation

Hari Sevugan? A new one…I guess people are getting tired of Axelrod and Burtons crybaby tactics. This must be the attack dog.

 
Comment by ari

MR. HUNT: But you also said the Bush tax cuts were too tilted to the rich. You said that several times. Does that still worry you?

SEN. MCCAIN: Yes. And that’s why I want us to have an increase from $3500 to 7,000; it’s a tax exemption for every child in America. I don’t think that’s for the very rich. In fact, I think they have fewer children.

-

 
Comment by Mondell Dillard, Jr.

ari,
re your 11:14 pm post. What is your source, Communist Party, USA? Daily Kos? Atl least post the source for your sorry “cut and paste” GARBAGE so a reader can go there and evaluate whether the site has any credibility or not! Quit posting as if it was an original thought on your part.

 
Comment by ari

Mondell
McCain runs on openness and transparency. Kerrry got same treatment, so fair McCain does. How much they gained from tax cuts, and he spacial interest can channel also through her accounts or friends, if you are not open it suggest you have something to hide.

 
Comment by ari

thats old news of Mccain’s temper, he blurred on occassions something out, also to senators, getting bit quite on that front

 
Comment by dgh

Looks like Obama is in the say anything do anything mode!

 
Comment by Pamela

Hi tom p

you silly guy you:)

 
Comment by TRUTH-BE-KNOWN

Antoin “Tony” Rezko leaves the Dirksen Federal Building a free man Friday after U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve granted the defense request. Several friends and family members put up $8.5 million in property and cash to secure his release to home confinement. Rezko has been behind bars since January, when he was deemed a flight risk after he received a $3.5 million wire transfer from Lebanon. Rezko will only be allowed to leave his Wilmette mansion for the trial downtown or when the court grants him permission. (Tribune photo by Zbigniew Bzdak / April 18, 2008)
________________________________________________________________________________

I wonder if he’ll go on the campaign trail with Obama? But then again pardon me?