Liberals, Democrats Pile On Feinstein After She Calls Health Care Reform Prospects Into Doubt

Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Over the weekend, Sen. Dianne Feinstein went on CNN’s State of the Union and said the President may not have enough votes to accomplish comprehensive health care reform.

“To be candid with you, I don’t know that he has the votes right now,” Feinstein said. “I think there’s a lot of concern in the Democratic caucus.”

Since then, quite a bit has transpired, at least rhetorically, on the issue, and for now, things look a bit different. But nonetheless, reform advocates are taking exception to her comments.

That’s Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) earlier today. “I’m not sure that I agree with Dianne that we don’t have enough votes.”

Not surprisingly, the reform campaign Health Care for America Now isn’t putting things so gently. “Senator Feinstein should know better than anyone given the state of the economy in California that health care reform cannot wait,” said HCAN’s National Campaign Manager Richard Kirsch.

Health care costs are bankrupting our families, our businesses, and our state and local governments, and we will not be able to fix our economy without achieving a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for all in 2009. Now is not the time for saying no. Now is the time to get on board with President Obama, Democratic leadership in Congress, and the majority of the American public that know we need and can achieve real, comprehensive reform.

I’ve asked Feinstein’s staff for comment on the shape things have taken in the last couple days, and will let you know when I hear back.

Latest DC
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: