Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama Takes On Rationing, 'Death Panel' Rumors

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 11, 2009 1:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama took the stage in New Hampshire today to set the record straight about Democratic health care reform efforts. Though the crowd was all applause, Obama took on the raucous protests that have characterized recent town halls. “Let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations,” he said, laughing off rumors that the government would set up “death panels that will basically pull the plug on Grandma.”

“Right now, insurance companies are rationing care,” he said, promising to put those decisions in the hands of doctors instead. One Republican asked Obama if he thought private insurers could survive against a public option. Obama replied that he thought good insurers could compete. “If you think about it, UPS and FedEx are doing just fine.” By the end, Obama was asking specifically for questions from skeptics. His final questioner asked why he hadn’t chastised lawmakers for not extending the system they used to the public. Obama said that was exactly what he wanted to do.

Police work to control protesters at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11,2009, where President Obama will speak about his health care plan.
Police work to control protesters at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11,2009, where President Obama will speak about his health care plan.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
Police talk with protesters outside Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, where President Obama will speak about his health care plan.
Police talk with protesters outside Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, where President Obama will speak about his health care plan.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
Protesters march near Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, where president Barack Obama will speak about his health care plan.
Protesters march near Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, where president Barack Obama will speak about his health care plan.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
Supporters of President Obama chant outside the high school in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, where the president will speak about his health care plan.
Supporters of President Obama chant outside the high school in Portsmouth, NH, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, where the president will speak about his health care plan.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
President Obama talks about his health care plan, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH.
President Obama talks about his health care plan, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

People who want to keep things the way they are try to scare the heck out of folks, and they’ll create boogeymen out there that just aren’t real. - Barack Obama

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 71 comments
freethemall
Aug 16, 2009 5:49 AM CDT
Thanks for the response, Jayster. If I were on a site that was as dominated righties, as this one is by lefties, perhaps I would get the same treatment you get on this site. If you know of any such righty dominated site, that is as easy to navigate as this site, I'd like to try it out.
scootersrockin
Aug 12, 2009 12:41 PM CDT
“We have the AARP on board because they know this is a good deal for our seniors,” Barack Obama. The country's largest advocacy group for Americans over 50 issued a statement after the event saying, "While the President was correct that AARP will not endorse a health care reform bill that would reduce Medicare benefits, indications that we have endorsed any of the major health care reform bills currently under consideration in Congress are inaccurate." What an idiot. He doesn't even know about the health care plan, hes just making shit up.
Robert_Dada
Aug 12, 2009 12:35 PM CDT
I find it so amazing that you, Jayster, can live inside a mind so small. Do tell us how it's done.

More Newser Stories

Book Scuttles Obama's Health Care Story

'Death Panels' Return: Obama Enacts End-of-Life Planning

Health Care Reform Law Kicks In Today

Obama to Insurers: Don't You Dare Jack Premiums

Health Reform Bill Won't Stop Premium Hikes


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne