A major problem with the Republican Party today is that, rather than being selective in opposing Democratic ideas or offering ideas of their own, they oppose any Democratic proposals regardless of the merits. Health care reform has provided an excellent example of this. While the Democrats will be lucky to pick up any Republican votes beyond the state of Maine (and even that is in doubt), it is easier for Republicans out of office to be more reasonable. Bill Frist has told Karen Tumulty that he would vote for the health care reform bill if he was still in the Senate:
Or so the former Senate Republican Leader, a surgeon who has written a new book on health care, told me a few minutes ago in an interview.
Were he still in the Senate, “I would end up voting for it,” he said. “As leader, I would take heat for it. … That’s what leadership is all about.”
I’m rather surprised at Frist’s statement, but it makes sense too.
It’s only natural he supports the bill because of the provision I like least, though.
At least he is not supporting the individual mandate while opposing the public option as many Republicans do. As much as neither of us is a fan of the individual mandate, it is far worse if there is no public option.
Oh, I agree completely. That is the part that surprises me, that he isn’t opposing the public option. Nor is it just Republicans. Max Baucus doesn’t care much for the public option either, but loves the mandate.
I was going to make a comment about Frist, HCA, a literal Hell, and a conscience, but you get the point.