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Daschle Still Working With Obama Behind the Scenes

Met with president to talk health care

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 22, 2009 11:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tom Daschle may not be Health and Human Services secretary, but he still has President Obama’s ear. The ex-senator met with Obama yesterday to discuss health care reform, the Washington Post reports. Daschle has been informally advising senior aide Pete Rouse and health care czar Nancy-Ann DeParle throughout the process, but some Democrats say things would have gone better had he been at the helm.

Since stepping down, Daschle’s been an outspoken advocate for universal care and a public option. But he’s also worked for a law firm advising United Health Group, an insurance giant that opposes a public option. The White House says it’s not worried about any conflict of interest. “The president knows and expects that, when he asks Senator Daschle a question, that he’s getting the opinion of Senator Daschle and not anybody else,” said Robert Gibbs.

In this Feb. 2, 2009, file photo, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington.
In this Feb. 2, 2009, file photo, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
In this Dec. 5, 2008 file photo, former Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle is seen during the 2008 Colorado Health Care Summit in Denver.
In this Dec. 5, 2008 file photo, former Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle is seen during the 2008 Colorado Health Care Summit in Denver.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Then-president-elect Barack Obama introduces Daschle as his pick for Health and Human Services Secretary, Dec. 11, 2008, at a news conference in Chicago.
Then-president-elect Barack Obama introduces Daschle as his pick for Health and Human Services Secretary, Dec. 11, 2008, at a news conference in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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No one in these jobs is truly unique, but he was about as close to it as possible. I think the loss of him from the inside is a factor in the way things have developed. - an anonymous senior Democrat close
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Reader65069154
Aug 24, 2009 1:50 AM CDT
Did he pay his taxes yet?
freethemall
Aug 22, 2009 10:48 AM CDT
If the Republicans are returned to power because of the stupidity and gullibility of the populace, I wonder just how much more damage would be inflicted upon the nation, and just what it would take, for the people of this country, to wake up and realize the truth.
freethemall
Aug 22, 2009 10:39 AM CDT
In profound sadness, I must acknowledge the truth of what you say. It would please me very much, if you and I were proven incorrect about this.

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