Republicans could have won on healthcare if only they had had the foresight to create a better plan of their own?

GIBSON: ”Governor … you imposed tax penalties in Massachusetts?”

ROMNEY: ”Yes, we said, look, if people can afford to buy it, either buy the insurance or pay your own way; don’t be free-riders.”

Possibly yes. Truth is their opposition was more focused on destroying whatever the Democrats proposed regarding the issue rather than presenting the changes they would like to see in the plan or even presenting an alternative plan. In this topic, they were most definitely the No Party. To simply be against something doesn't cut it, you have to then present alternatives, and they failed in that aspect.

Very true, one of the reasons why I have always had trouble with the Republican party is that they have this if it ain't broke don't try to fix it attitude and its failing them miserably. If they are going to survive or stay as a strong party entity with in our government they have to make changes that will help the common man and not just the businesses and hope for the trickle down affect, this approach is old and will not fly in American politics anymore.

Obama may not have the answer to the healthcare problems of this country but at least he is attempting to try something new. I am an Independent and see a bleak future for the Republicans if they do not try harder to reach out to people instead of running on this old and tired platform of lower taxes. They had the house and I think the senate and the presidency in 2004 and did not lower taxes a dime for the working man. I am not defending the President I am just stating the obvious fact that Republicans need to get it together on issues that affect the poor and middle class directly instead of indirectly.

agreed. It's not about Obama. It's about the people. You have to be for something, not against something or you lose cred.

They didn't want to hear republican input .. Democracy? Not anymore!

Not true. Actually they did but Prince Harry and Princess Pelosi would not allow it to come up for vote.

what was it called? thx

google it as it was online for months during the health care debates but the libbies had to have it their way

On this I would have to agree. It seemed to be far to important to them to make Obama look bad than to come up with their own plan.

Not about winning and losing it's about screwing the American people. Besides the repubs put out plenty of common sense no brainer practical idea during obamascare design all of which were ignored by the obama admin and dem controlled congress. Instead we got a liberal wet dream.

wasn't romneycare designed by a republican think tank?

it was designed by the monetary rule banksters just like everything else who do you think the judges work for

Government controlled healthcare is wrong no matter how many ways you slice it. Scale back government and return America to it's former glory.

isn't govt controlled h/c single payer? Govt. doesn't control the bulk of h/c: it exists the same as it always has, we pay extra because the h/insurance companies take a cut.

Right after the decision was handed down R-Money made his reaction speech and on his podium it says "Repeal and Replace" I certainly know what he means by "Repeal" but does anyone know what he means by "Replace?" In fact, all I heard from his brief statement was a paraphrase (excluding mandate) everything that's in the bill already. What's he gonna change, The name? I have a suggestion how about "Patient Protection Affordable Care Act"

The Republicans have put out many solutions the Democrats didn't want to debate finding the best solutions for America they wanted control and they have it. When grandma can't get that open heart surgery that would give her atleast 10 more years because the cost is deemed not worth the 10 extra years only then will people begin to understand just what they have lost.

Of course they've presented alternatives like Romneyca.... bad example, Individual Mand... bad example. Maybe you can give me an alternative they've come up with.

How about tort reform and portability for starters.

And where are they now?

The GOP never presented anything like Romneycare. Some of the alternatives were Medical Liability Reform, purchase health insurance across state lines, HSAs, ensure health insurance for pre existing conditions, investing in preventive medicine, overhauling Medicaid, addressing the abuse and fraud where Medicare is concerned, supplemental health insurance for low-income families, tax credits for health insurance and that is just for starters.

The GOP doesn't want to even acknowledge Romneycare because it's to similar to Obamacare. and even worse, People like Romneycare. Purchasing health care across state lines is an idea they've abandoned. And what happens if supplemental health insurance is less than the plan?

Why are talking about Romneycare? Romney; which by the way I do not like, already admitted that it would not have been a good plan for the nation. I thought you wanted to know the ideas coming from the GOP.

We talk about Romneycare because, it's something Mitt has done in regards to Healthcare. He's Vague as to what he'd replace Obamacare with, His rebuttal on thursday was essentially him telling a crowd that he'd replace Obamacare with Obamacare without the mandate (How will it get paid for?)

you must be pleased to learn then that this administration has gone after medicare fraudsters with a vengeance. I know this because a friend of the family does it for a living. She's always bringing the lawsuits against such people, and winning them. Fines so huge that go back to the taxpayer's coffers.

Which is a good thing since Obamacare took half a billion from Medicare to help pay for it.

Probably, but that would have flown in the face of their dogma

Yes; this is true, but unfortunately Republicans care as little for the people as do Democrats. Both parties have had way too much time in power and have ended up merging into one authoritarian elitist party whose goal is to grow their own power by destroying the middle class.

I like that you don't pick sides. But I think you could be a little too cynical kir.

You call it being cynical; I call it being realistic. :p