White House to Host Primetime Televised ‘Conversation’ On Health Care June 24

I am sick of seeing obama on tv preempting O’reilly and hannity–maybe he could talk in the daytime against oprah.

Nothing will really change. We’ll be stuck with increasing costs, while the politicians continue to posture.

Oh, Bob, you forgot to mention all of the networks and their diatribe against Govt when GWB was in office–I am sure you regret the error.

Under Medi-cal, the POOR and LOW income receive FREE healthcare. If Health insurance was affordable, the LOW income will be able to pay for their own insurance plan. The money saved from moving LOW income from Medi-cal to a paid insurance plan, could be used to fund UNIVERSAL health care. Here is another way to fund UNIVERSAL healthcare. The number ONE excuse for receiving SSI is, “I can’t work because I have a MENTAL or PHYSICAL disability.” If inability to get a JOB is the reason for receiving SSI, why are they allowed to work? In other words, they have 2 incomes, a GOVERNMENT check and a job. If they can work, “Shouldn’t their SSI status be disqualified?” SSI recipients WORK part-time. What about moving the EMPLOYED SSI recipients off of SSI and into affordable housing?

Since Workers Compensation is a big user of the health industry in all states exactly how will the plan being proposed handle that piece of the pie? Seen no mention and if anyone has please, comment. Probably just going to take the system away from the states and put under federal control, just wonderful.

Obama says that he was to leave the form and implementation to Congress. Now he does the opposite, playing the ever-present salesman with wagon full of goods. Make up your mind, Mr. President! Is Congress really going to do this, or are you now doing it yourself because you don’t like what they are doing?
I guess that means our President is supposed to make all policy and everyone either agrees, or is removed from the decision making process.
I will predict one thing, if he doesn’t stop selling this so hard, he is going to blow all of it for everyone. We had enough of this campaigning during the campaign. We voted, so stop campaigning. Maybe some of us don’t want you in our face 24/7. Leave us alone and let Congress do the job you gave them.

Why can’t we, as a nation, have free national health care? We need it now!

Another Pres Obama payback for the support by the Networks. First it was NBC an now ABC. My guess CBS will be next. Who is paying for this, an will there be a GOP rebuttle. It looks like this is his answer to the boycott of his primetime news conferences. More like propaganda to me. 20l0 cannot get here fast enough.

Hey ABC – why don’t you just declare yourself the communications wing of the Democratic National Committee? Does anyone believe that any real criticism of the Teleprompter in Chief’s socialized healthcare plan will make it to the Q&A segment? LOL! This is the most extreme case of liberal media bias and the Obama lapdog press yet!

Apparently “watching” hasn’t been watching the Daily Kos Huffington post or Latterman!!LOL
“The postings on FOX political boards are 99.9% very frightfully hateful. At least the opposing views here aren’t un-American or incite violence like FOX”

Who is paying for the airtime?

Just who’s paying for all this airtime? And will opposing views get equal opportunity to express concerns?

Oh yeah, we can count on ABC to “select” questioners!

Great! I thought we might have some objectivity. No. ABC has turned into the Obama News Network. I think the government should try to be more successful at the things they already run instead of trying to run more of our private lives. Get back with me when they our successful with the VA hospitals. Thanks also for switching to digital since now I cannot get ABC or CBS.

I am extremely disappointed in ABC News! This is nothing but an informercial for the Obama healthcare plan. They were asked to include opposing views in this special, and they refused. How are we to decide on issues if you refuse to give us ALL sides of the issues!
You call yourselves newspeople…you should at least show a little honesty and admit you work for Obama!

So is it true that on the night of June 24, the media ABC, and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care?
Now, he crosses the line of interferring with finance, business, health care, now the media. When does it stop and when do we say we have had enough of OBAMA-TV. Even his supporters such as Bill Maher said, enough! Leave it to Hannity, O’Reilly, and Beck (the list goes on). BE PRESIDENT. That is all. Stay home.

In a previous post, someone asked: “Why doesn’t ABC move its entire operations to the White House?”
Because, until someone kicks out Brian Williams, NBC and GE, there won’t be room!
“…were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787.

Obama is pushing this so badly in our faces. What’s the rush with passing this bill? I’m sad to say this bit with ABC airing from the White House is continuing in the wrong direction for this country.

Why won’t ABC have opposing views – are you afraid that they might make the Messiah not look as favorable to the American public?
What happened to unbiased journalism. Your love affair with our president makes me ill.

Broadcasting from the Lincoln Bedroom?

CBO: Senate health bill $1 trillion over 10 years
By the numbers: Who benefits?
The CBO letter predicted that many Americans would gain coverage if Kennedy’s legislation were implemented, while others would lose it.
“Once the proposal was fully implemented, about 39 million individuals would obtain coverage through the new insurance exchanges. At the same time, the number of people who had coverage through an employer would decline by about 15 million … and coverage from other sources would fall by about 8 million,” it said.
“The net decrease in the number of people uninsured would be about 16 million,” Elmendorf wrote.
Apparently ABC doesn’t see the need for anyone to rebut the Obama proposal. Why should they…they are part in parcel of the Obama network.

All you people who are so enthusiastic about universal healthcare – ever consider the bang up job our government has done with the VA? VA hospitals are run by our gov’t and are perennially understaffed & infamous for substandard care. Recent headlines include unqualified persons performing colonoscopies at VA Hospitals – some resulting in HIV infection in a few patients!A friend’s British sister-in-law died while waiting for months for her “turn” for chemotherapy in the UK.Canadians come to the U.S. for treatment when possible.Healthcare & government don’t mix. I agree that we need reform – but we don’t need to go overboard with government control – better oversight is what’s needed. ABC should be ashamed for drifting so far from objective reporting

I am shocked by the delusions people have with respect to entitlements. Healthcare is not a right protected under the U.S. constitution. I am all for helping people in need, but not for providing a free ride. This ABC/Obama infomercial is appalling.

I would like to know why the comments posted on “Fox” are being called “un-American”? Anyone who disagrees with Liberals or Obama is considered “un-American”. I have several “liberal” friends and I have found that they are the most closed minded people I know. They want the government to give them everything (including medical) because its easier to have things given than working for it. I’m beginning to believe that the left definiately wants this country to become “socialist” and would be perfectly happy living under someone like Hitler.

I personally will boycott ABC news for this ridiculous ratings attempt…enough is enough, media.

I am NEVER WATCHING ABC NEWS, GMA or any other ABC news broadcast! Unbelievable!

Does the name “Linda Douglas” ring a bell, anyone? She is now the the Director of Communications at the White House Office of Health Reform. Linda was a reporter for ABC News from 1998 to 2006. Not that her job, agenda, and employer these days was any different than it used to be – only the office has changed.

With this broadcast ABC has abandoned all pretense of being an impartial news source. They have openly become the government news station. Most likely hoping that when Obama takes over the Broadcasters, they will survive as the peoples network. Just as Chavez and Castro have one too. Yes, 1984 was titled the wrong year, and was supposed to be fiction, not a guide for use against hard working Americans who don’t have time to play politics 24/7, and thought who ever was elected would actually care about keeping America great, and not just how rich, they, their friends, and cronies will get out of 4 years or more in office. This broadcast is just another example of the Media giving Obama absolute power, and lets not forget that absolute power, corrupts absolutly.

Small problem: Once tax rates reach a certain point, any tax increase results in a net decrease to net revenues due to the effects on the economy. We have already passed that point. Even if you agree with the President’s health care agenda, how are we supposed to pay for it without bankrupting the country?
The “evil rich” only do two things with their “ill-gotten wealth”: They spend it, boosting the economy and creating real jobs- or they invest it, providing capital to new businesses, and creating more economic activity. Sure, soak the rich- tax revenue nationwide is down over 30%, and here in New York revenues are down over 50%. Tax hike = less tax revenue? Sounds backwards but it’s a fact.

We can pay for the reform that is much needed in america by dipping into the same purse we did for the Iraq and Afganistan war. The tab is above 14 trillion dollars so far and climbing so 1 or 2 trillion for health care for our own citizens. Mr President I support you 100% and I am a Ronald Regan Republican

We can pay for the health care reform that is long over due to tax paying Americans by dipping into the same purse that we used to fund the Iraq and Afganistan War. That total is at 14 trillion and climbing. It is 40 billion dollars a month. So 1 or 2 trillion to provide Americans with health care is a drop in the bucket. Mr President I am a Ronald Regan Republican and I support you 100%.

Re: Repeated comments such as “FOX political boards are 99.9% very frightfully hateful. At least the opposing views here aren’t un-American or incite violence like FOX” …
I’m curious what you may believe to be inciting violence? It seems liberals believe that if you don’t agree with them that you’re being decisive & hate mongering. Guess again — We’re staying true to the Constitution this great country was founded on!!

Never in the history of this America has one man been so fawned over by the media, that they have forgotten their professionalism as journalists and news reporters. The American people are sick and tired of hearing and reading the propaganda that is being put out that is so biased towards this impostor of a president. And now ABC is going to have a full day of “Obamacare” on their station without any input from the opposing parties! How about a good old fashion debate, with a fair and balanced audience asking questions that have not been cleared by the henchmen of Obama. How can the average American make an informed decision without hearing the good and the bad of this health care proposal. If ABC were to provide a balanced debate on this health care infomercial, it would be a great service to America and the American people. Please reconsider this biased infomercial.

I know I may be in the minority – at least among those who are speaking out. But I, for one, am glad to see the President so outspoken about this issue. It is one that NEEDS to be solved – and he is making sure it stays in the limelight.
Full disclosure – I did vote for Obama. But I also work in healthcare – not direct patient care, but still in a position where I can clearly see the need for this reform and I’m grateful our President is dedicating so much of his time and energy to making sure this stays at the top of Congress’ agenda.
And to those of you who think that he needs to stop “selling” his thoughts on reform … he’s just pushing one of his priorities – one of the things he promised to do during the campaign. The President CAN’T pass legislation, we all know that. So he’s doing what EVERY OTHER PRESIDENT has done in the past – making sure Congress knows where he stands on one of the most important issues facing our country today. The only thing different with President Obama is that he’s also talking directly to the people – a change I’m glad to see.
And if you don’t want to hear it – then turn the channel or flip past the article in the paper. It’s that easy.

Dear ABC:
I would like to suggest a question for the President.
Why is he against a cap on “pain and suffering” malpractice awards?
This is the (often huge) percentage of the award that goes to the plaintiffs’ attorneys and in no way affects the amount the patient gets to remedy the problem caused by the malpractice.
This cap would go a long way towards lowering the cost of medical care.
Shouldn’t lawyers be asked to share in the “new normal?”
Thanks you,
Barbara W
Albuquerque

A conversation indicates a two way talk. With selected people in the audience and pre formed questions this is just an infomercial. Question… If my health benefits from my employer are to be taxed will the House and the Senate member’s benefits also be taxed for as long as they receive them?

“After all, they did have the foresight to put ‘Conversation’ in quotes in the headline.”
They put it in quotes because the RNC wants to know why this infomercial isn’t being paid for by the DNC.
“Why can’t we, as a nation, have free national health care? We need it now!”
Please define “free”

ABC, have you come to your senses about this one yet????
The overwhelming majority of comments are extremely critical of this one sided “event”…..

This is outrageous! I, for one, will not be watching this Obama infomercial! Thank goodness there is STILL one network where we can truly see both sides of an issue (FOX).

Health care will only be free if you don’t work. If you ask the government for free health care you are in REALITY asking your working neighbor to pay for yours.

Walter, how do we solicit comments to the Public File. I for one will do this.
I am so enraged at the ObamaMedia.

Don’t read the govt press!! Read the free press!!

As a foreign national here under contract from abroad I can tell you first hand that the last thing Americans really understand is what government run healthcare is like. My parents would of given anything to have private insurance and a health care system like the US as they aged and I’ll do whatever I can to stay here when I get to that age. The last thing you yanks want is Congress deciding what a viable procedure is or how much will be reimbursed for it. You” go from first to near the bottom in terms of level of care within 5 years I bet.

Yeah, right.
All Barack’s Cronies (ABC)
showing only the questions & answers
they want you to hear.
I want them to say that as an example, all government folks get to use it first and that the president and his family will get no special treatment or favors as will all senate, house and all other government employees. And if they don’t think it’s BETTER than anything else they’ve ever had and cheaper, then it goes away!!!
Waiting for the next election.

I can’t believe you people (the government). Are going to pay back all the money you spent. You know most people are not allowed to write a bouncy check. And my mom and dad told me long ago, there is nothing in life for FREE. There is so many people out there that know how to work the system, they get stuff a hell of alot cheaper then the rest of us. Oh that’s right we have to pay for them too. Hard working people are getting tired of for the lazy. And you want to help the small businesses. You might want to look for the small business, cause they are not being taken care, they are closing down. This government needs an enema. God help us all. If this keeps going the way it is we are in trouble even more. New Government please.

This is just another un-Constitutional law that Barry Soetoro aka Barack H. Obama wants to inflict on the American Taxpayer. Soetoro aka Obama is about as anti-American as it gets. I am still waiting for him to tell us how he is going to redistribute his wealth. LOL! If he wants socialized healthcare for all the leaches in this country then he needs to pay for it out of his pocket. I can’t wait for 2010 when we can vote out this idiot Congress!

ABC, how does it feel to be the mouthpiece for the new communist America? Obama is tearing down capitalism (auto, banking, health care.) The President is expanding the unions through his power siezures. And now he has taken over the press – with their willing cooperation. Congratulations!

American People are waking Up to the fact that this President and His Administration are slowly hacking away at our rights,and they think that we do not realize what is happening. The Net work media is more than happy to help him with this. ABC should soon drop their heads in shame, it will come back to bite them I think.

Why should the government take up primetime with a commercial on why we need public healthcare?
ABC is going to lose a lot of respect as a network after this decision.
How much of the company does the gov’t own now?

I cannot believe ABC will not allow the opposition equal time…Fair & Balanced? I think not! they should be ashamed of themselves…and what has happened to good ole Charlie Gibson? I have loved him for years but not anymore….

It is so unbelievable to me that ABC is turning down the opportunity for a PAID rebuttal ad to this propaganda!!
I guess ABC feels that this broadcast might help the President’s approval ratings which are rapidly SINKING….
ABC, please reconsider this travesty..

I am officially now living in Cuba. The official state run media is now ABC. UNBELIEVABLE

This is ridiculous, the government can’t take care of two million veterans properly. Talk to a veteran and ask them how much of a fight it is to get proper and timely care. Now President Obama says that we can take care of an extra 35 million Americans. Social programs like this are what broke California, and it will break the US. Yes, it sounds good but we need to deal with reality people.

So you think having hand picked “questions” covers the objectivity of having spokespersons there to actually present the other side and to debate the issue???????? Have any of you so called journalists investigated the horror stories of national health care in Eng. and Canada upon which the admin is basing this proposed rationing of our care? Sorry but you MSM folks fail miserably in informing us by what you always fail to report. You also have double standards in how you treat/question those with liberal views as opposed to those with conservative views. Based on your past performances many of us are not expecting anything other than a pure infomercial for Obama and rationed health care.

It’s sad to see so many bashing FOX. I’ve checked their facts – they are all accurate. Regarding this TV special, let’s ask ABC how many conservative ads will be aired during the breaks? How many “balanced” perspectives will be shown in the segments? How many other networks are involved in this? Has ABC obtained the documentation needed to become a lobbyist? If not, who’s going to protest their biased activity… ABC fans? The ACLU. Wake up, America.

Why not determine health premiums the same way the automobile industry does??
Base health insurance premium rates on individual health factors under the person’s control (weight, smoking, drugs, drinking, etc), sex, age, personal risk factors (skydiving, diving, auto racing, etc). Those who cannot obtain insurance would be assigned an “assigned risk” policy like auto policies. The government could subsidize those individuals. Health insurance family premiums must be based on the number of individuals. Do not allow those with ten children to pay the same “family rate” as those with one child. Tort reform. The loser must pay all lawsuit costs for ALL parties. If this is not possible, develop a two tier premium system, one that allows lawsuits and one that uses arbitration instead of lawsuits. Determine a discount and automatically apply it to all premiums and co-pays. (Lawsuits could still be used if criminal charges are imposed. Statute of limitations will be suspended during any criminal proceedings and the suit would even become part of the individuals estate (if he died). Ban all prescription advertising to the public. (Drug companies are creating their own demand.) And eliminate drug “kickbacks” to doctors.

It is appalling that a “news” show would present only one side of a story and refuse to allow opposing points of view. As usual the liberal media is afraid of
people knowing the truth so they eliminate that possibility by doing a propaganda story under the guise of it being “news”. I will never again watch your program.

This is just a BO/ABC infomercial. A story on Fox reports that, during this infomercial, ABC is refusing to air commercials that present opposing views. Total bias on ABC’s part. Perhaps ABC now stands for “All Barrack Company”?
So much for unbiased, honest journalism. It won’t be found here, that’s for sure!

I’m a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you’re willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?
Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:
One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I’m not a racist. This isn’t to be confused with legal immigration.
Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.
Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.
Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.
Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don’t you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!
Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don’t you start there.
Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don’t trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.
Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?
Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.
Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we’ll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.
Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let’s have it. Let’s say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.
Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.
Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let’s just slow down and get some input from some nonpoliticians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I’m busy. I’m busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.
I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.
From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don’t want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we’re morons.
We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we’re so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn’t ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when hewill rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.
Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don’t care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.

How is this an “open and healthy debate” if the questions are being answered by only one side of the discussion?

i personally will not be watching this infomercial on obamas health care “plan”. he speaks out of both side of his mouth and he’s nothing but an empty suit with a big fake smile. congratulations abc–you’ve now alienated one more person in America–and have reached a new low…good job

I have public health care it is called ChampVA.My husband is a disabled Veteran so my insurance is through the VA. Let me tell you it stinks! No one wants to take it. I get most of my care through our county health system with the illegal aliens. Imagine, they get the same care as a disabled veterans wife (although the care is not great) Shouldn’t the spouse of a disabled Veteran get better care than someone who has no interest in speaking English or paying taxes, or becoming a legal citizen, let alone serve this country.
I will pay my way from now on, they should to. NO TAX MONEY FOR PUBLIC CARE IT IS WRONG!!!!

ABC has now been removed from my stations list. ABC is a joke.

Obama Socalism is “Right” on the money for all of us. I don’t care how much it costs! Why don’t the loonies over at Fox take a hike? I love Socalism and I hope we can move America towards an Oligarchy instead of this stupid Republic/Democracy we currently have. Europe and Canada are so far ahead of us. GO OBAMA!!

I am increasingly concerned with the Public Relations campaign that is in full swing by our government and the Networks. It is difficult to fully understand the issues when consistently presented with one-side of the issue. Coming from a daily newspaper where the separation of news from the rest of the organization was non-negotiable…this I don’t understand. It frightens me that we are moving to promoting ideas instead of debating them fully to make sure that we end up with the very best options possible. Please Mr. President, slow down, let’s make sure we understand the impact of each individual decision and change before moving so fast that we can’t undo a change that might not be the best option. And ABC, do your job, stay removed, report all sides objectively and let the American People be part of the decision. Diversity is the American Way, let’s make sure that we have a forum and take the time to fully understand the issue to give it the best chance for success.

WHY DOES ABC HAVE TO HAND SELECT THE PERSONS ASKING QUESTIONS. I THINK AMERICANS WOULD BE MORE RECEPTIVE TO QUESTIONS THAT COME OFF THE CUFF. IF THEY DO NOT WANT TO LOSE VIEWERS I HOPE THEY HAVE QUESTIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE. I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH MEDICARE/MEICAID SPENDING REFORM. THOUGH I STILL BELIEVE THAT BUSINESSES SHOULD SUPPLY COVERAGE FOR WORKING AMERICANS AND KEEP COMPETITVE INSURANCE COMPANIES ALIVE. SOCIALIZED MEDICINE CAN BE A VERY BAD THING IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT FIRST HAND YOU ARE KIDDING YOURSELF. WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY OF US CANADIANS COME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR HEALTH CARE?

I like the “Free” part of this. What did they say about “Free Lunches”.
Conversations can’t be one sided, who is going to listen to this. Seriously, watch TV to have one side given to you? But not the other.
How many times can you call the CBO, “Irrelevant” or claim that they are using wrong numbers.
This is going to hurt.

First step to nationalized TV. I will not be watching this waste of time. The One (with The Gift) will be controlling what we hear…so what will we learn?
Nothing even close to the truth, as usual.

I cannot believe this is the network of of the past news anchors I grew up with; Howard K. Smith and Frank Reynolds. Howard K. Smith interviewed the Nazi leadership, to include Adolph Hitler, prior to World War 2, but refused to print their propaganda. He was lucky to escape Germany with his life. Why would any new service stoop this low? Ratings? Political leanings? I am deeply disappointed

I’ve been a fan of ABC World News my entire life, but EGADS! – this will effectively be just an infomercial from ABC News promoting the President’s health care plan, with really no competing thoughts or analysis. How could ABC News have sunk so low? UNBELIEVABLE!

Lies!

WELCOME TO GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTHCARE. It has been reported that the government run Veterans Admin healthcare facilities have not been cleaning the tubes used in colonoscopies from patient to patient since 2003. What that means is that after Patient “A” received a coloscopy, unsuspecting Patient “B” was infected with what ever disease Patient “A” had. At this point , over 10,000 patients have been potentially exposed to HIV, Hepatitis, etc. As of last week, 6 patients have been diagnosed with HIV, 34 with Heapatitis C, and 13 with Hepatitis B. A recent audit found that 57% of the 153 VA healthcare facilites did not have standard operating procedures. IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE GOVERNMENT WILL RUN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, SIMPLY LOOK AT THE HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS THEY ALREADY RUN…

ABC should be ashamed of themselves for not offering a Republican rebuttal to this obviously biased special. I guess they have decided to join the socialist bandwagon as well. This is very disappointing from a “news” outlet.

For ABC to become (rather, continue to be) a mouthpiece for Obama is an insult to journalistic ethics and fairness in general. If there are commercials during that two hour period, I will boycott the products. Either way, I will make a point not to watch national ABC programs which of course I would view on locally on WFAA. It is ridiculous for ABC to sponsor this National Health Plan Promotion and not allow spokespersons to explain the adverse effect his plan would have on our current health care system.

Geez this costs a bloody fortune. It’d be cheaper to just take the 10 million un-insured that this bill actually helps and give them a 10K check. If you eliminate the illegal alien un-insured and the young people who can purchase insurance but choose not to and the ones who absolutely can afford but would rather mooch off the rest of us then you’re left with a relatively few that actually need a new program other than medicaid. So let’s just give them money. It’d be cheaper than re-arranging the entire system. The cost will come down as we stop subsidizing those who can afford healthcare and refuse to pay for it.

I gave up a nursing career 16 years ago to open a retail furniture store and a wholesale candle manufacturing business. I did this for my son whom is handicapped. We work 7 days a week together. We own a beautiful property and were doing well until now. My question is; During your campaign you said for those people who pay for there own ins., they would be able to purchase the same ins. at the rate you pay. It is much higher for us because there are now only 3 people insured. I do not want gov. insurance. I have worked all of my life and have pride in what I have accomplished. Because of someone’s greed, selfish motives, and deceitful practices small businesses are in trouble.

concerned American | Jun 16, 2009 10:10:34 AM…….Why else would they deny the GOP the opportunity to rebut?

Where do we sign up to ask the questions?
Mine aren’t that tough, like:
How does Mr. Obama find 45 million uninsured? I can get the number down to 8.8 million without a problem.
Why do we have to pay for illegal alien health care? As a Californian, I am really tired of my State and myself, being pushed into bankrupcy because we pay for everthing for people who do NOT contribute to the tax rolls.
I sure hope ABC asks some REAL questions. I do not want to see another MSNBC like, bias piece. I am pretty sick of the White Wash of the Obama White House, already.
Wow – that statement is pathetic. What has happened to the U.S. press?

ABC is in the tank for Obama. It is no longer a news organization and has abandoned its responsibility of being a watchdog for the public. It is nothing but an extension of the DNC.

All I can do is shake my head. Now ABC has joined the State run Media who is in the tank for this administration. I will NOT be watching this infomercial. This is Shameful!!!!

We need to ask Obama if he will allow drug prices to be negotiated through global suppliers. Further, will he eliminate any American vendor that does not negotiatie prices? Let’s buy them from Mexico, Australia, Canada, etc.
I want to know if premiums for Part D will stop rising astronomically to pay for Obama’s plans.
I also want to know why the President did not negotiate the elimination of the donut hole and how much bigger it will get to compensate the pharmas for their so-called “contribution” to his plans. This is a big joke even for Obama to support!
The latest deal by Baucus and Obama is one of the most insideous, arrogant, useless arrangements written by the pharmas for the pharmas.
I pay monthly premiyms for Part D but buy all of my generics at Walmart, KMart, or Target. They are cheaper than any plan I could afford through the US Government-sponsored options.
My wife gets sucked into the donut hole in March of each year. She spends thousands to buy pills some at $30 apiece. Even if the drugs were half price we will have difficulty trying to buy them.
My first two non-generivc prescriptions were denied by the insurer because they had a better alternative for me. Little idd they know I was altready taking them. The insurer practices medicine over the web! So my drugs stopped. My insurance payments continue. Pharma and imsurance companies are too close to the politicos for any real change to occur here.
Obama is clearly not up to the task or lofty rhetoric that he shovels to the public. He’s more likely to convert us to a third worls country by his actions.

Looks like in addition to the banking industry, auto industry, healthcare industry, Obama will now take over television industry.
HMMMMM….

Mr. Obama, please leave my health insurnce alone. There are ways that the health care system can be fixed, but the Government cannot do it. It is quite rare for a Government program to work efficiently and without someone figuring out how to screw the system. That is why healthcare is so expensive today. Let the private sector do the job. I really have good healthcare now and good insurance. Novel idea, I pay for it myself. I was able to seek out a policy that suited my needs and I got it. Health Care and Insurance is not a RIGHT. Being able to pursue Health Care and Insurance is.

If you are going to have a discussion about healthcare in the United States, why not point out that the latest poll from the New York Times is weighted 66% Obama voters to 33% McCain voters? We all know the answer to that. You, ABC news have lost all creadability. Not only will I not watch, I will also make it a point to stay away from anything you do until you understand that the majority of America does not live in the upper west side of N.Y.C.

This is the most horrifying example of propagandizing I’ve ever witnessed.ABC has thrown away any semblance of balance,and then insults my intelligence by claiming they are not shilling for this massive socialist takeover.ABC,I will now give you a statement you can believe.I will not only never watch your network again,but I will actively work to expose your fraudulent programming and encourage boycotts of all your sponsors.Your shameless advertising for the Democratic party has shaken loose my apathy,and turned me into an activist,who will join others in a bitter fight against your blatant one-sided support of socialism.

What will happen when our hospitals are overflowing with people who cannot get aid and the pregnant women cannot get a bed to give birth in? This is what happened in Canada and those women came to the United States for aid.
-Who would we turn to for help in that situation?

ABC has sold out to the Obama administration. I always considered Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer to be good reporters and respected them both. After this fiasco, I no longer have as much respect for them or ABC. ABC is becoming a tool for Obama to use in his socialization of America. Wake up ABC before your bias loses you more respect.

Diane Sawyer keeps saying that this is an important ‘debate’.
I agree.
Who is going to be debating the president? ABC refused to air dissenting ‘opinions’ after Obama’s infomercial. So… who will give the dissenting POV on government run health care? Hello? Heeellllo? $1 TRILLION to insure 15 Million people over ten years. Get out a calculator and do the math. Then explain to me how that’s making health care cheaper.

I am a Vet Who servered in the Army Resvers for 21 years. I would like to know why all vets do not get free Medical & Dential care at VA Medical Centers. Right now to get free Medical Services, you must take a means test, be disabled, a World War 2 Vet or need medical care due to something that happened while in the Military. Dential care only for vets disabled or or dentail care need due to some thin that happened while in the miltary. If you where in the Resver or National Guard, for over 20 years or more you get no medicale help until you reach 60 years old or hav vet sates. All Vet’s are willing to put their life on the line for their country & have to fight to get medical help this is not fare to our vets.

How unseemly, what bootlicking! Veteran ABC News director Roger Goodman probably has a big hand in this Pravda-worthy groveling, even though he’s now just a “consultant” for these special projects. Roger: You ought to hang your head in shame.

If it is true than on Weds-June 1, 2009 that you(ABC) are running a “special” from the White House with no opposing points of view beingpresented, then you are proving my view that the media is no longer composed of objective reporters but are nothing more than an arm of the Democratic Party. What ashame it has come to this that we have to go to cable news to try and get opposing points of view. I no longer believe much of what is reported politically by
ABC,NBC, CBS. Your anchors are definitely biased. So like third world countries I need to watch cable,not just CNN,scour the internet to try to get truth. You are worse than countries with overt repression as you are posing as objective, free news, when, in fact, you are “wolves in sheeps clothing,” and trying to brainwash the American public to follow your plans. I for one won’t be watching that”special!”
ONE ? IF THE GOV IS SO GOOD AT RUNNING THIS COUNTRY(AND THE DEMS HAVE HAD CONTROL OF CONGRESS FOR MANY YEARS) WHY ARE WE IN SUCH A FINANCIAL MESS AND WHY WOULD GOV. RUN HEALTH CARE NOT END UP IN THE SAME SITUATION? WHO IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO PAY FOR IT SINCE WE HAVE NO “REAL JOBS” IN USA ANYMORE?

I always considered ABC to be balanced and fair in reporting the news. In this case, you are promoting politics instead of investigation and reporting. You are being duped in promoting a form of socialized medicine of which isn’t in the realm of news. I will not view your nightly news because of this perversity. Sorry Charlie. You’ve lost me.

Is ABC going to allow contrary views anymore? Or are they just going to be PRO OBAMA all the time. Not allowing paid advertisement is a VERY VERY POOR example when it comes to freedom of speech.

for all of you who are in the dark as to what is really going on behind the scenes need to watch the fox news glenn beck program at 4pm central time. its not for people who choose to stay in the dark. this country and our freedoms are being taken away on a daily basis. do something about it! sincerly look into the 912 project we are not crazy we are from every political background and we love our country. abc,nbc,cnn all of those networks are hiding the truth from you and they are not doing questioning the policies of this administration. instead they have chosen to give obama a free pass to do what ever he wants.

So much for journalistic integrity, why not make this weekly as reality TV show?! Did he get charged infomercial rates?
With 75%+ of Americans satisfied with their health care and no broad support, apparently he’s just going to jam it down our throats with the help of ABC.
ABC, this is a disgrace.

Government healthcare? A true oxymoron. The government is in charge of our military and would gladly send you to WAR or your DEATH to further its aims.
This cigarette-bill is a typical example of how the government wants to take care of your health in the future. Lets not make cigarettes 100% illegal. After all it would upset the cig lobbyists and make the companies go broke. Lets us dems and Obama say we disapprove meanwhile big tobacco will continue to sell cigarettes and reap BILLIONS and murder MILLIONS of people. Obama is such a hypocrite and if you dont think its all about the money and not your health you are blind. Meanwhile marijuana (which has killed no one and actually helps muscular dystrophy, cancer and people with severe pain is still 100% illegal because the govt makes money busting people plus the Mexican drug cartels paying off the CIA would take a 50% profit loss and we wouldnt want that would we? Everyone needs to make money!)

I’m a RN on long island. I work as a private provider for Medicaid.We make $32.96 dollars, NO vacation days,NO holidays off,or any medical benefits.
I’ve been in excellent health. I can’t afford health insurance, but make to much to get any assistance. I’m a widow, 56 y.o. and have grown children.
I had fall at a local store and had to go the the hospital three times. Bill almost $5000.00 that I will have to pay out of pocket. Even the health care package won’t help me.I work to hard and make to much money. I’m told to get insurance in excellent health , non smoker, not over weight will cost me $1100.00 per month, that approx. $13,000.00 per year. Get sick and I would loss my home and everything I’ve broken my back for. The nurses association has no plan to help it’s RN”S,LPN’s. NYS medicaid I believe should allow private providers to get health insurance. SINGLE PEOPLE pay more than double the cost. With Medicaid I have to wait almost 8 weeks for today’s pay check. Police, teachers, get medical for life once retired. I get no pension or medical, only social security if we still have it.

President Obama is doing what HE wants, not what WE THE PEOPLE want. ABC needs to realize that Obama will come to an end, who then will they worship? The American people want news as it is, not televised worship of this man. We can not afford health care for all..to hello…..as a nation the taxpayers can not afford this.Especially illegal aliens included in his plan!

Will the tax on health care benefits be paid by state, federal, union employees and other strap hangers? Or will the working people carry everyone else. Will the tax apply to Obama?

Does anyone know how you can actually propose a question to this farce? I would love to have millions submit the real questions we all seem to want answered, and see if ABC and the President just ignore us.

President Obama,
This is Angela Smallwood again, hoping that you got my email in reference to my son Devin. Please help him. I also wanted to say bless your family!
sincerely,
mother of two
Angela Smallwood-Lecanto, fl

Hello; I’m really looking forward to seeing the program tonight. I hope someone will ask the President about whether long term care for nursing home bills will be covered under the new plan. Most current health insurance plans do not cover long term care in a nursing home and neither does Medicare. As a result, nursing home expenses end up being a real budget-buster for families and for the state and local governments that end up paying for it through Medicaid. I work in a field where I see this all the time. Any relief in sight? Thanks for listening.

Okay, my comments were not posted? I guess they really do not want opposing views. They were accurate and not offensive at all, just OPPOSING views. State Run media strikes again.

Will it be more of the same? Raising taxes, giving the illegals health care while many Americans go hungry or are without jobs.
All the news channels are scary, but at least Fox mainly O’Reilly ask tough quesions. and I agree Hannity really has in for Obama, but it’s good to have someone like that bringing up different views. When he gets to much for me I simply change the channel. FOX has some contriversy unlike the Obama worshiping news stations. There is something wrong with them.

ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC have become the mouthpiece of the Democratic party. What is Obama scared of that he cannot have Fox News come in and ask the tough questions? Obama whines like a baby at any criticism. A true leader is for ALL the people not just the left wing of the party. It is a sad day when America elected a socialist.

BIZARRE HEALTHCARE CONCEPTS: CALL CANADA’S FEDERAL HEALTH MINISTER!   (409 words)
Citizens of no other nation with single payer universal health care would understand the bizarre healthcare concepts presented by both Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton. None would understand “purchasing affordable healthcare”. They would think “fining” parents who don’t buy healthcare for their children a flawed bizarre idea.  They would think the idea of forcing people to buy health insurance equally flawed and bizarre. 
Two Canadian officials, Nadine, Communications Officer, Manitoba Health said, “I wish you guys had health insurance like we do.” Derrick, in Canada’s office of the Federal Health Minister, thought “fining” people “tough to enforce.” Canadians don’t pay for health insurance except through taxes. He said the money Americans pay for private for profit health insurance could easily cover every American if we had a single payer system.       
Both Barrack and Hillary should phone the health ministry of any nation with national healthcare and ask, “How do you do it?, How should we do it? Please explain the benefits of public funding.”  
 
I assure you they would be told, “Canadians do not purchase health insurance nor are they fined if they don’t. We pay for health insurance in the same way we pay for police departments, public libraries, fire departments, namely, through public taxation. It  saves us a bundle.” 
Public funding is not “socialized” medicine. By definition a system in which doctors work for the government is called “socialized”. Canadian doctors work for themselves, not the government, therefore not “socialized.” .
It’s hard to understand why well traveled people like Barrack and Hillary fail to understand how the healthcare of other nations are financed. Why don’t they pick up the phone and call Tony Clement, Canada’s Federal Health Minister?
Canadians are more than willing to help out and likely to be impressed that any American would actually ask for help. Do we want confusing death dealing for-profit healthcare, or the simplicity and “peace of mind” of the publicly funded systems of every other advanced nation? 
As Michael Moore says, “If Japan builds a better car we buy it. If France produces a better wine we drink it.” If another nation has a superior healthcare system we should adopt it !  By successfully instituting a single payer healthcare system, Barrack Obama would surely live in history as  ”America’s greatest president”.  
Will he give up the chance of a lifetime by caving in to corporate payola for-profit medical insurance? 

If you pay $500 per month on health insurance now, and instead your income taxes were raised to $1000 to pay for a national health care, you would save $5000 a year. Why would you object to that?

health care is expensive because there is too much waste. I had to throw out 90 boxes of unused,notopen,not expired dialysis solutions because we were in NJ and not in FL at the time of my husbands passing. I can not give is pole or his scale, or any of his equipment that maybe a clinic in a poor area could use and I am sure I am not alone think of the thousands of people in the same boat as me and think of the hundred of thousands of dollars of medical equipment from gauze pads to useable poles to anything that can truely be recycled and after working in the health field for 34 yrs before retiring if we did not spend the budget for the yr we were given less the next yr. how cruel. take back whats not spent put it in surplus and next yr distribute it again.

I believe we are at a baseball game and the fast balls keep coming and we just can’t keep up with them. It is just one right after another. I don’t understand how in the world Congress passes bills they don’t read nor have the time to look at it. I think we spent enough money for right now. Now is just not the time to spend more money. Let’s take our time to research and debate.

Why is ABC participating in such a one sided -Pro Obama pro Government controlled health care show in favor of something so many feel will be an expensive and intrusive mistake by a Government who is generally too corrupt and incompetent to whistle themselves out out of a paper bag, is a big disservice to our country to be so one sided and ill informed.

Will the President’s new plan provide us with the same coverage that he and his family receive? Or are they getting special care? Did our current forms of coverage provide President Bush’s wife and kids with the exact same coverage as a regular “taxi drivers” wife and kids would get? Of course not! They are our presidents and they are going to receive top notch care whether we like it or not (and whether they are republicans or democrats). Is the neurosurgeon’s wife and kids receiving the same health care as you and I? You can be sure they are not (and we are still operating under the same OLD health care options).
We are the best country on the planet (personal opinion) and we need to provide our citizens with decent health care coverage. Our citizens should not be going into bankruptcy in order to pay for a hospital visit. We cannot afford to continue down the path we are on and it’s up to us to change it.
Very informative Q&A period… Thanks ABC!

“liberal media bias”? Are you kidding? Did you even watch the interview? If anything, this was an example of corporate media bias. ABC was clearly against the only option that makes any sense and that is a public plan.

Quantify, qualify, and insure those who have funds to pay for individual health insurance but are ineligible due to disqualifying conditions such as depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hysterectomies as pre-exsisting (just to name a few). Sole proprietors are going uninsured due to income and don’t qualify for government aid or some insures rate up so high the policy is unaffordable. Maybe give this disadvantaged demographic group health insurance credits for managing their illness while insuring them at the same time. WIN/WIN. Money talks. Also, for those who may be abusing SSI and other gov. funded health coverages for lack of job skills or life management, make it mandatory they show progress monthly to qualify for their next months benefits. Us employed have to do the work to get our benefits, why shouldn’t they? Community service would be a start. Just some thoughts from Madison, WI.

The question remains will congress and the white house sign in on the same health plan they intend to give US if they don’t then I’m OUT and so should the rest of you if you believe in representative democracy. If this plan goes through without them being included it will be one more nail on the coffin for our constitution.

What did the anchor mean by ” People could start to get tired of all of Obama`s promises ” The people are already tired. He will go down in history as the worst President ever to hold the office.I don`t know how good things are in the northern part of the United States but, down here in the south , things are really bad and it doesn`t look like it`s going to get better any time soon.I know several people who have started raising chickens to save money on eggs! I can only hope for the best for every American and, heaven help us all!!!

There is nothing in the world than people that keep claimig that nothing will ever change. Things do change buy you have to have smart people that know how to make things change. The group of people here seem to have little or no idea of how change is done

MY HUSBAND HAS PANCREATIC CANCER,\. HE IS 55 YRS. OLD & NOW HAS NO MEDICAL COVERAGE, BECAUSE HIS INSURANCE WAS CANCELLED AFTER HIS DIAGNOSIS. WE CHARGED THOUSANDS OF DOLLAR ON OUR CREDIT CARDS, MOSTLY AMEX, & ARE UNABLE TO PAY PROMPLTLY. HE IS FINALLY APPROVED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABL\ILITY @938.00 . HE DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID, BECAUSE HE LIVES WITH ME,& I OWN A HOME. I ALSO OWN 2 APARTMENT BUILDINGS. ALL OF MY PROPERTY IS PAID IN FULL, BUT THE BANKS WILL NOT LEND ME ANY MONEY, BECAUSE MY CREDIT SCORE DROPPED TO 618. SO NOW, I HAVE ALL THSE ASSETS, & HAVE TRIED TO PUT EVERYTHING UP FOR COLLATERAL, BUT CANNOT GET ONE PENNY FROM THE BANK TO PAY OFF OUR DEBTS. MY HUSBAND’S CONDITION IS TERMINAL. I AM 74 YRS. OLD WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 28 YRS. I AM ON MEDICARE, BUT HE IS TOO YOUNG, & CANNOT GET ANY MEDICAL COVERAGE, & NEEDS MORE MEDICAL TREATMENT, WHICH WE NOW CANNOT AFFORD. WE NEED HELP DESPERATELY!! MY HUSBAND WAS BORN IN CUBA, I, IN BOSTON. THERE MUST BE SOME WAY WE CAN GET ASSISTANCE.