Friday, February 22, 2008

Universal Health Care

During last night's debate, one of Senator Clinton's strengths was a discussion of Health Care in Act III, as well as her passion and knowledge through Act I on a variety of issues. Yet, what this suggests is the need for Senator Clinton in the Senate and not the Presidency.

Universal Health Care would be a task for the legislative, not executive branch. If the President were to submit a plan, it would go to Congress where the Democrats would need to develop the plan. Once the Democrats discern what will pass, it will go to committee, where most legislation goes to die. At this point, a strong Senator will need to get the plan through committee (and make compromises, which is why I think the mandates won't stand unless there are overwhelming majorities in the House to make them stand). If it passes in committee, then a Senator will need to get it to pass in the House, which would most likely be assured.

The President's role in this would be to speak to the people and to persuade the people that Universal Health Care needs support, which is not Senator Clinton's strong suit (this is not a pant suit reference either. The President will need to use bully pulpit to engage the people to act and force the other party to concede.

A strong Senator would be better on this task in Congress. A rhetorically aware president will help move the people.

****By the way, I have a snow day.

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