Health policy expert Grace-Marie Turner explains why the so-called Senate compromise on the public option is just a ruse. Why would allowing the private insurers a greater role actually be an even worse idea than what is being proposed right now? Why is all of this ‘compromise’ really just a tactic to get the full-blown public option to become law?
Texas Rep. Mac Thornberry says he’s suspicious of ‘anyone who only gets fiscal religion when it comes to national security issues’. Thornberry says Obama should remove withdrawal date and troop surge should be paid for with remaining stimulus and TARP dollars.
Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns says ‘tone deaf’ Democrats are ignoring overwhelming public opposition to health bill. He also fears moderate in both parties will succumb to push to get something done, but says this is not a ‘first step’ in massive health changes – but a huge gigantic risky leap. We also ask how his Nebraska colleague Ben Nelson is likely to vote.
Former climatology professor Dr. Tim Ball explains why politicians at the climate summit will just kick the can down the road. He says the far more troubling news is the EPA declaring greenhouse gases dangerous.
Iranian expert Alireza Jafarzadeh says the ongoing protests in Iran show increasing dissatisfaction with the repressive regime. Would more progress be made if President Obama would identify with the demonstrators? And what should we make of Iranian President Ahmadinejad saying the U.S. is deliberately trying to thwart the return of the ‘hidden imam’ – a messianic figure in Islam?
As House Democrats try to make the estate tax permanent, Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, the top House Republican on the Joint Economic Committee, says Congress should kill the ‘unfair death tax’ once and for all. He also says the job picture is stabilizing, but the job creation outlook is not great.
Louisiana Sen. David Vitter says pressure from the people will determine whether Obamacare lives or dies. He also explains why the Dems are not telling the truth about what the Reid bill will do to your taxes and on Medicare spending. We’ll also get his thoughts on the impact of ‘climate-gate’ on the cap and trade debate.
How good is the news that we almost broke even on jobs in November? What is the unemployment rate when we factor in part-time workers and those who have given up looking for work? What move by Congress can trigger consumer spending and job creation? What moves by Congress would kill hopes of new jobs? We ask Diana Furchtgott-Roth, former chief economist for the Department of Labor.
Texas Rep. Ted Poe is on his way to Afghanistan to confer with troops and commanders and observe the conditions on the ground. What does he think of the president’s strategy? What are his concerns? What more does he think the president should articulate? Will Congress give Obama what he wants?
Why does Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan say the Obama ‘jobs summit is nothing but a photo op? What moves on taxes, regulation and spending does he think would lead to tremendous job creation? Why is Jordan opposed to Democrats freezing the estate tax rate right where it is?
