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June 11, 2009
Controversy!
Steve McMahon, the resident "Democratic strategist" on Hardball who routinely debates that hairless former McCain staffer, was on with Chris Matthews tonight doing an excellent job echoing the centrist, moderate Democratic horseshit line on the public option.
Which is, of course, to paint the public option as far-left and "controversial." In fact, he actually called it that. Let's take a look at how controversial the public plan actually is.
A poll from January via Greg Sargent:
While recent polling has shown consistent broad support for comprehensive health care reform, this poll specifically addressed whether people want a choice of a public health insurance plan. 73% of voters want a choice of a private or public health insurance plan, including Democrats (77%), Independents (79%), and Republicans (63%).
Hmm. 63 percent support from Republicans. Controversial!
Washington DC—A new poll released today by Consumers Union, the non-profit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, shows that 66 percent of Americans support having the option of a public health insurance plan as part of health care reform. This public plan would give everyone – insured and uninsured – the option of a plan that is more affordable, with no preexisting conditions, has a consistent menu of benefits, and is always available. A clear majority across all demographic sectors supported creating a public plan.
A clear majority across all demographic sectors. Controversial! Avoid! Avoid!
What about a poll conducted by an actual health insurance provider, Kaiser Health:
...about two-thirds (67%) of U.S. residents "strongly" or "somewhat" favor establishing a public health insurance option "similar to Medicare," with about 80% of Democrats, 60% of independents and 49% of Republicans in favor of such a plan.
IEEEEE! Third rail!
Matthews, wisely, admitted prior to McMahon's obviously paid spin that McMahon's clients include health insurers. So why, then, was he invited onto the show given his obvious conflict of interest? MSNBC has to answer for this. They're passing off a paid shill as an expert commentator.
Speaking of which, McMahon said that is President Obama abandons the public option and strives for 80 votes in the Senate, "everyone will be happy." By "everyone," McMahon clearly means his awful clients.
Filed under: Chris Matthews || Hardball || Healthcare || Public Option || Steve McMahon
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Posted By Bob Cesca | June 11, 2009 9:25 PM
Comments
This is a shinning example of a politican who spends too much time in his own little echo chamber in Washington where the common wisdom is typically a decade behind the voters.
Posted by: J M Goddamn Ashby at June 11, 2009 10:49 PM
MSNBC does this all the time.. they have military advisors on that are paid shills too. I think Media Matters has or had a page about it.
Posted by: Annette at June 11, 2009 11:01 PM
I have never liked that McMahon fucker. He can suck my dick. And fuck MSNBC for putting him on to represent "the Left."
Posted by: jane at June 11, 2009 11:10 PM
the wonderful liberal media at work guys
I don't think MSNBC got the memo that they are liberal yet...did you guys see that Headline News is giving Joy Behar her own show?
Posted by: veralynn at June 11, 2009 11:41 PM
No, I didn't see that.
Posted by: Annette at June 11, 2009 11:43 PM
I just posted to FB Annette.
Posted by: veralynn at June 11, 2009 11:54 PM
Spot the shill is one of my favorite passtimes.
Posted by: ∇•B=0 Goddamn Silly Ratfaced Git ∇•D=ρ at June 12, 2009 12:53 AM
I will never see McMahon the same again. What a seel out!! How do we know who to believe anymore? McMohan, go to hell.
Posted by: mij at June 12, 2009 3:27 AM
Damn that liberal media.
Posted by: CitizenJ at June 12, 2009 9:29 AM
the sad and very infuriating part of all this is that the wingnuts-led and inspired by frank luntz-are already winning this battle.theyve got a huge headstart and its really not even close right now.
i hate to say it but i blame pres. obama for this.instead of at least putting forth some clear-cut guidelines for what he will and will not accept,he simply said,"ive set aside some money,all sorts of shit is on the table,now give us healthcare reform".
he has left the door wide open for the relentless fearmongering of "rationing... european socialism... the government will decide whether your grandmom gets her hip replacement or not,obama is taking over everything etc..."
and because there is no firm ideas about what is and isnt acceptable,democratic politicians are afraid or simply unwilling to get on cable news and sell healthcare reform because frankly,they arent sure what theyre selling.
and conversely,repubs have no problem going out there and pounding the luntz horseshit talking points which are scaring the shit out of americans.
Posted by: 24hourjack at June 12, 2009 9:37 AM
Lest we not forget, a very important detail regarding the dreaded "government managed health care"-every senator and congressperson speaking out against government involvement in health care happens to have a very gravy government managed health plan, afforded to all members of the Congress. Any senator or congessperson who speaks out against a government role in health care is a hypocrite!!!
Posted by: Neil Taylor at June 12, 2009 11:20 AM
Voters really must, MUST throw out every single democrat who throws us, their constituents, under the bus on this one. Our senators and representatives, who have access to the best health care coverage of any citizen in this country dare to toss the public option, to opt for trap doors? It's obscene. They are obscene and should be held to account. Is this what we voted for last November?
Posted by: aaryn b. at June 12, 2009 12:09 PM
