Posted by
Terry Paulson on Friday, February 26, 2010 12:03:19 PM
The Heathcare Summit provided quite a lesson in polarized politics. And there was good reason. When President Obama calls on Republicans for a bi-partisan dialogue, he intends to do far more talking and persuading than dialoguing. And there was very little balance. A time analysis indicated that the President spoke one hour and fifty-three minutes. The Republicans spoke for one hour and fifty-nine minutes. The Democrats present took the lion’s share of the time talking for 3 hours and fifty-three minutes. Yes, it was civil, but there was no goal convergence. It was clear that the president’s goal was to convince Republicans that there was enough common ground in the existing Senate bill that he has proposed that they should support it. Even if they refused to accept it; Republicans would be seen as the “Party of No.” The Republicans wanted to start over taking in steps what could be agreed on.
The Republicans missed a great opportunity to challenge the President to allow them to present a bill combining the common ground that surfaced from the summit. If they were going to vote on his plan; allow a vote on the Republican first step of common ground agreement. Of course, it is not too late. They should study the comments made and present a consensus first–step healthcare bill for consideration before the March recess. By doing this, they take the initiative to move beyond the “Party of No” to the “Party of Progress.” That would force Democrats to say “no” to the bill or to even allowing it to be considered.
Hold the line because the Democrats don’t have the votes to get this through. Compliments to the Republicans for using their time well to present their concerns and suggestions. Now, it is time to present an option that lets them be the “Party of Progress.”