Health care reform has been in the news for the past year and half and is used as a tool by politicians to win elections and gain popularity. The Democratic Party is struggling to keep the bill popular, while the Republicans are rejected any comprises that is set before them. The Washington Post is an avid contributor to the constant debate on health care reform offering the reader both sides to the story. Anne E. Kornblut’s article shows the reader how both parties interact with each other and the positive and negative debates that fuel the lively hood of the bill. President Barack Obama stated, “It is time for us to act on health care reform,” and his willingness to compromise offers a bipartisan opportunity that benefits both parties. “Some of these disagreements we may be able to resolve. Some we may not. And no final bill will include everything everyone wants. That’s what compromise is,” said Obama about the involvement of both parties. Last Thursdays bipartisan health care summit showed the nation areas of agreements and differences but still needs the essential popularity of last years coverage to even have a chance. Democrats believe that their 10-year, $1 trillion dollar bill can be sold to the public before mid-term elections in the fall, but Republicans think otherwise. Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma stated both sides “listened to one another” at the summit, but still there is no sign of compromise. Coburn would later express his concern for the American people not being listened to and believe the bill should “start over.” He would later accuse Democrats of rushing through the bill that most Americans have already rejected. Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts election cost the Senate Democrats filibuster-proof health care bill in January, but the Democrats still continue to fight. Democrats need to popularize the health care bill to have a successful mid-term election in the fall. The bill will definitely be a major topic for campaigning politicians this fall, so its crucial from Democrats to act if they want a successful four years. It is up to the American people to interact and showcase their positive or negative outlook on health care reform.
Source: Washington Post, Sunday February 28, 2010, Section A3, Author: Anne E. Kornblut