Dole Gets DNC Health Reform Spot Pulled

Health care reform law opposition becomes Republican litmus test

(NEWSER) - The push to repeal health care reform has become a rallying cry for GOP candidates pushing for big congressional victories this year and eager to show their willingness to take on the Democratic agenda. In Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist and conservative upstart Marco Rubio agreed on little else in a weekend debate, during which Crist used the issue to appear just as ready as Rubio to fight President Obama. John McCain and Sarah Palin delivered a similar message while stumping for his re-election. More»

President chides Republicans for telling constituents he'll 'destroy America'

(NEWSER) - President Obama went toe-to-toe with House Republicans today, accusing them of opposing legislation for political gain. Obama chastised the Republicans for labelling health care reform as a "Bolshevik plot" and said, "The fact of the matter is, many of you, if you voted with the administration on something, are politically vulnerable with your own base," Obama said. "Because what you've been telling your constituents is, 'This guy's doing all kinds of crazy stuff that's going to destroy America.'" More»

(NEWSER) - Reasoned debate is all well and good, but the more than 300 amendments offered to the health care reform bill by finance committee Republicans are “dangerously close to a parody,” Dana Milbank writes. Or maybe they’re already there. Take Orrin Hatch’s request for “transition relief for the excise tax on high-cost insurance plans for any state with a name that begins with the letter 'U.'” There’s only one state that starts with ‘U:’ Hatch’s Utah. More»

(NEWSER) - Charles Boustany, who was upstaged last night by the impromptu opposition from his colleague, Joe Wilson, delivered the official response to Obama's speech, opening with his "disappointment" that Obama hadn't announced a do-over in the effort to reform health insurance. “Most Americans, the Louisiana congressman said, wanted to hear the president say "it’s time to start over on a common-sense, bipartisan plan focused on lowering the cost of health care while improving quality.” More»

Protesters energize party, but make it look crazy

(NEWSER) - Raucous town-hall protesters are energizing a Republican party damaged in the 2006 and 2008 elections—but they’re also opening the party to accusations that it’s being run by the fringe, Reuters reports. While some demonstrators oppose any sort of reform, many Americans actually want some form of change. If Democrats can label the GOP “obstructionist,” Republicans may again face a tough time at the polls. More»