PBO statement today:
“When I took office, millions of Americans were locked out of our health care system. So, just as leaders in both parties had tried to do since the days of Teddy Roosevelt, we took up the cause of health reform. It was a long battle, carried out in Congressional hearings and in the public square for more than a year. But ultimately, after a century of talk, decades of trying, and a year of bipartisan debate, our generation was the one that succeeded. We finally declared that in America, health care is not a privilege for a few, but a right for everybody.
The result was the Affordable Care Act, which I signed into law seven years ago today. Thanks to this law, more than twenty million Americans have gained the security and peace of mind of health insurance. Thanks to this law, more than ninety percent of Americans are insured – the highest rate in our history. Thanks to this law, the days when women could be charged more than men and Americans with pre-existing conditions could be denied coverage altogether are relics of the past. Seniors have bigger discounts on their prescription drugs. Young people can stay on their parents’ plans until they turn 26 years old. And Americans who already had insurance received an upgrade as well – from free preventive care, like mammograms and vaccines, to improvements in the quality of care in hospitals that has averted nearly 100,000 deaths so far.
All of that is thanks to the Affordable Care Act. And all the while, since the law passed, the pace of health care inflation has slowed dramatically. Prices are still rising, just as they have every year for decades – but under this law, they’ve been rising at the slowest rate in fifty years. Families who get coverage through their employer are paying, on average, thousands of dollars less per year than if costs kept rising as fast as they were before the law. And reality continues to discredit the false claim that this law is in a “death spiral,” because while it’s true that some premiums have risen, the vast majority of Marketplace enrollees have experienced no average premium hike at all. And so long as the law is properly administered, this market will remain stable. Likewise, this law is no “job-killer,” because America’s businesses went on a record-breaking streak of job growth in the seven years since I signed it.
So the reality is clear: America is stronger because of the Affordable Care Act. There will always be work to do to reduce costs, stabilize markets, improve quality, and help the millions of Americans who remain uninsured in states that have so far refused to expand Medicaid. I’ve always said we should build on this law, just as Americans of both parties worked to improve Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid over the years. So if Republicans are serious about lowering costs while expanding coverage to those who need it, and if they’re prepared to work with Democrats and objective evaluators in finding solutions that accomplish those goals – that’s something we all should welcome. But we should start from the baseline that any changes will make our health care system better, not worse for hardworking Americans. That should always be our priority.
The Affordable Care Act is law only because millions of Americans mobilized, and organized, and decided that this fight was about more than health care – it was about the character of our country. It was about whether the wealthiest nation on Earth would make sure that neither illness nor twist of fate would rob us of everything we’ve worked so hard to build. It was about whether we look out for one another, as neighbors, and fellow citizens, who care about each other’s success. This fight is still about all that today. And Americans who love their country still have the power to change it.”
We know why. Republicans don’t want people to vote — especially if they’re Black or Brown. Hence the voter suppression tactics in full force in red states.
This is what happens when you put cold blooded people in full control of Congress. They don’t care how many people are harmed or killed by Trump Care as long as they can give tax cuts to their wealthy buddies.
I agree with Senator Ron Johnson about twice a decade. This is one of those times. We both agree the very partisan #Trumpcare bill sucks. https://t.co/FxCQYAzqxp
that there is Speaker-for-life …. I am with her through thick and thin because she has been with marginalized people like me and the common good for as long as I have known and followed her;
she is the person who tries to do what is right for ordinary people
In IL: -90% of the 90,000 records stolen by Russian state actors contained drivers license #'s -25% contained last 4 digits of voters’ SSNs https://t.co/FC0ADvjy4J
We’re closing in on the White House and GOP Russia facilitators so McConnell/KOCH creating this particular crisis right now isn’t surprising.
But the ACA has been such a RELIABLE punishing source of FEAR-mongering for Republicans since 2010 — do you really think they’ll pass
this death bill? If Trump appeases the GOP/Big Money and signs wealthcare into law, his supporters will find out in very personal ugly terms
what they should already know about this conscience-free pro-fascist.
Senator Markey says Trump has no respect for his office or the government and can’t stop demeaning the presidency.
“It does run to intimidation of a witness, which is why Robert Mueller must investigate the entirety of this tapes incident.”
“He doesn’t respect the Congress. He doesn’t respect the judiciary. He doesn’t respect his own office.” (Hill)
Those are who I call heroes. Good for them for making their voices heard despite being disabled. Proud of them and hope that those of us who are their allies will stand up for their fight.
The Medicaid cuts in the GOP health care repeal are a complete & total betrayal. This bill is a disgrace. Shame on anyone who votes for it. https://t.co/DN6vvUvoko
Can someone please tell Bernie to shut the hell up? I’m sick of him and his belly aching about the Democrats. This is not the time to publicly criticize our side, Idiot!!
As a public service, so we all know who are (potential) sexual predators, would love to see news media photo/video everyone who attends. https://t.co/u6E8RVQNKn
Pelosi is literally among the most progressive members of Congress. what's w/ this fantasy the next Dem Leader would be Left of her? https://t.co/VPxj6hh8hz
One day, it will be possible to go to bed with a heart doesn’t feel so heavily burdened by the political cruelty of corrupt, greedy, bigotted & selfish “leaders”. Until then …..
.
It’s behind a pay wall so I’m picking up snippets here and there. It looks like some of at least is a criticism that PBO didn’t do enough, didn’t do the right thing……..
I’m sickened by the effort to aim criticisms at PBO when we have this very sick and twisted clown in the WH enabling the psychos in Congress. I trust PBO implicitly. I believe he would have done everything in his power to deal with this intelligently and within the proper boundaries.
the criticisms of PBO have to do with undermining his credibility….whatever the choices that President had and no matter what he could have done…i know that many on left as well as the right…would not have believed him…they would have discredited the info ….said that he was merely helping Clinton….i believe that the President was very worried about unintended consequences…and indeed…the President went to the GOP ans told them of the threat to our Government…but McConnell threatened to say that the President was lying….
even now….you have folks on the left and right trying to discredit the IC….telling us that we should not be focused on what the treachery that is Trump…
Aggressively challenge? They showed their ass to Josh, they asked the most asinine questions on top of being disrespectful and condescending and through it all Josh displayed professionalism and grace. You reap what you sow.
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
Thanks NW and thanks PBO for your powerful statement today.
PBO statement today:
“When I took office, millions of Americans were locked out of our health care system. So, just as leaders in both parties had tried to do since the days of Teddy Roosevelt, we took up the cause of health reform. It was a long battle, carried out in Congressional hearings and in the public square for more than a year. But ultimately, after a century of talk, decades of trying, and a year of bipartisan debate, our generation was the one that succeeded. We finally declared that in America, health care is not a privilege for a few, but a right for everybody.
The result was the Affordable Care Act, which I signed into law seven years ago today. Thanks to this law, more than twenty million Americans have gained the security and peace of mind of health insurance. Thanks to this law, more than ninety percent of Americans are insured – the highest rate in our history. Thanks to this law, the days when women could be charged more than men and Americans with pre-existing conditions could be denied coverage altogether are relics of the past. Seniors have bigger discounts on their prescription drugs. Young people can stay on their parents’ plans until they turn 26 years old. And Americans who already had insurance received an upgrade as well – from free preventive care, like mammograms and vaccines, to improvements in the quality of care in hospitals that has averted nearly 100,000 deaths so far.
All of that is thanks to the Affordable Care Act. And all the while, since the law passed, the pace of health care inflation has slowed dramatically. Prices are still rising, just as they have every year for decades – but under this law, they’ve been rising at the slowest rate in fifty years. Families who get coverage through their employer are paying, on average, thousands of dollars less per year than if costs kept rising as fast as they were before the law. And reality continues to discredit the false claim that this law is in a “death spiral,” because while it’s true that some premiums have risen, the vast majority of Marketplace enrollees have experienced no average premium hike at all. And so long as the law is properly administered, this market will remain stable. Likewise, this law is no “job-killer,” because America’s businesses went on a record-breaking streak of job growth in the seven years since I signed it.
So the reality is clear: America is stronger because of the Affordable Care Act. There will always be work to do to reduce costs, stabilize markets, improve quality, and help the millions of Americans who remain uninsured in states that have so far refused to expand Medicaid. I’ve always said we should build on this law, just as Americans of both parties worked to improve Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid over the years. So if Republicans are serious about lowering costs while expanding coverage to those who need it, and if they’re prepared to work with Democrats and objective evaluators in finding solutions that accomplish those goals – that’s something we all should welcome. But we should start from the baseline that any changes will make our health care system better, not worse for hardworking Americans. That should always be our priority.
The Affordable Care Act is law only because millions of Americans mobilized, and organized, and decided that this fight was about more than health care – it was about the character of our country. It was about whether the wealthiest nation on Earth would make sure that neither illness nor twist of fate would rob us of everything we’ve worked so hard to build. It was about whether we look out for one another, as neighbors, and fellow citizens, who care about each other’s success. This fight is still about all that today. And Americans who love their country still have the power to change it.”
Our real President gave us our marching orders. Take up the call to fight the cynical GOP wealthcare bill.
“Discussion draft”: https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/SENATEHEALTHCARE.pdf
“Senator Bob Casey breaks down this AHCA wealthcare bill, starting by noting the essential health benefits requirement of the Affordable Care Act would be revoked.” https://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/6/22/1674202/-Here-s-the-simplest-takedown-of-the-Republican-scheme-to-take-away-health-care-from-millions
Indiana air conditioning plant to send 700 jobs 45 bragged about saving to Mexico — http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ind-plant-lay-700-workers-jobs-trump-saved-article-1.3269926?utm_content=bufferd77e6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=NYDailyNewsTw
In addition to making it hard(er) to register to vote and constant purging of voting rolls.
We know why. Republicans don’t want people to vote — especially if they’re Black or Brown. Hence the voter suppression tactics in full force in red states.
This is what happens when you put cold blooded people in full control of Congress. They don’t care how many people are harmed or killed by Trump Care as long as they can give tax cuts to their wealthy buddies.
That’s maybe because he has been/is a “witting” agent.
Witless, and stupid
“Pro-life” = force women to give birth. After the child is born, it is on its own.
that there is Speaker-for-life …. I am with her through thick and thin because she has been with marginalized people like me and the common good for as long as I have known and followed her;
she is the person who tries to do what is right for ordinary people
🙌🏾
WHY? Answer me that? Does the dicktraitor know why?
Because he’s an asshole and his boys want to shoot defenseless animals without leaving the country. Or the reason: Because he gets to repeal yet another Obama-era rule.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/amp/house-overturns-obama-era-law-protect-alaskan-bears-wolves-n722481
Seriously! ⚡️💥🔥
THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This a million times!
We’re closing in on the White House and GOP Russia facilitators so McConnell/KOCH creating this particular crisis right now isn’t surprising.
But the ACA has been such a RELIABLE punishing source of FEAR-mongering for Republicans since 2010 — do you really think they’ll pass
this death bill? If Trump appeases the GOP/Big Money and signs wealthcare into law, his supporters will find out in very personal ugly terms
what they should already know about this conscience-free pro-fascist.
The literal face of evil.
How about blaming those progressives who didn’t get out to vote in 2010, which allow the Republicans to get control of the House.
Yes!
Senator Markey says Trump has no respect for his office or the government and can’t stop demeaning the presidency.
“It does run to intimidation of a witness, which is why Robert Mueller must investigate the entirety of this tapes incident.”
“He doesn’t respect the Congress. He doesn’t respect the judiciary. He doesn’t respect his own office.” (Hill)
Those are who I call heroes. Good for them for making their voices heard despite being disabled. Proud of them and hope that those of us who are their allies will stand up for their fight.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Gorgeousness and such class. Miss them like crazy!!
Go AARP!
Yes, AARP are good people. They always fight on the right side of issues. In a few years, I’ll be able to join them.
[slurps tea] 👀
Honestly, screw them both. UGH.
Can someone please tell Bernie to shut the hell up? I’m sick of him and his belly aching about the Democrats. This is not the time to publicly criticize our side, Idiot!!
Nah I want Bernie to keep talking because he has a date with KARMA and it’s a he and his name is Robert Mueller.
Don’t sexually harass/assault anyone. Problem solved.
YOU LIE!! Can someone rework this and send it around showing what he said and the reality of this Republican mess that he praised?
Liar-in-Chief says what now?
Failing the American people
Going to be interesting when maternity care isn’t a covered option for insurance….
They only like vets when they use them as props
http://familiesusa.org/product/cutting-medicaid-would-hurt-veterans
The Senator from Themyscira standing strong for the people ✊🏾
Life persists ….
For real ….
Goodnight TOD ….
One day, it will be possible to go to bed with a heart doesn’t feel so heavily burdened by the political cruelty of corrupt, greedy, bigotted & selfish “leaders”. Until then …..
.
So true!
😄
Good golly, even his handwriting is similar to PBO’s!
Didn’t know PM Trudeau’s were a thing until I ran across this Twitter moment. Love it!
Check out some of them here.
GM Dudette.
From the “Moments” you posted, LOL:
👏🏾
good morning everyone!
have a great day.
Good Morning Everybody.
Such a drug to eradicate Alzheimer’s would be a blessing — especially with Trumpcare Don’t Care.
Nothing in this bill makes sense.
Give me a break.
OMG, another day of Russian revelations…….
I have not had a chance to read this article….saving it for later….going on the recommendation of Joy Reid that it is worthwhile..
It’s behind a pay wall so I’m picking up snippets here and there. It looks like some of at least is a criticism that PBO didn’t do enough, didn’t do the right thing……..
I’m sickened by the effort to aim criticisms at PBO when we have this very sick and twisted clown in the WH enabling the psychos in Congress. I trust PBO implicitly. I believe he would have done everything in his power to deal with this intelligently and within the proper boundaries.
When the Special Counsel takes down Trump, people will finally discover why caution was so essential.
the criticisms of PBO have to do with undermining his credibility….whatever the choices that President had and no matter what he could have done…i know that many on left as well as the right…would not have believed him…they would have discredited the info ….said that he was merely helping Clinton….i believe that the President was very worried about unintended consequences…and indeed…the President went to the GOP ans told them of the threat to our Government…but McConnell threatened to say that the President was lying….
even now….you have folks on the left and right trying to discredit the IC….telling us that we should not be focused on what the treachery that is Trump…
I remember the immediate coverage of that press conference. But the Trump-enabling MSM won’t say a thing about THIS.
Aggressively challenge? They showed their ass to Josh, they asked the most asinine questions on top of being disrespectful and condescending and through it all Josh displayed professionalism and grace. You reap what you sow.
Put that in a reply tweet to me, Don!
New post.
https://theobamadiary.com/2017/06/23/chat-away-924/
LOVE this man. He gives a very good explainer here: