Obama to Challenge Republicans on Televised Healthcare

This was pretty predictable. While I didn't see Obama's Q&A at the recent republican meeting, I heard that he performed well and without a teleprompter no less. From this, one could guess that Obama is newly confident and might even try another talk without a teleprompter. Historically, this is when the man's arrogance usually kicks in and he gets himself into trouble. Nonetheless, it's healthy to do this, and I applaud the move.

What I expect from Obama will be more of the same. He'll try to "sound" centrist. This worked on the campaign trail where he swayed independent voters. Will people believe him again? We'll see. I suspect he'll talk about a 10 year plan, where he can say almost anything about the cost, because who the heck really knows over 10 years. He'll also seek to demonize republicans over universal healthcare. These points are givens. But his grand plan is that once healthcare passes, no matter how moderate it sounds, he knows that he can change it in any way he wants. This has always been his plan.

And Republicans will have an uphill battle. First of all, does anyone know what is their position, other than not wanting the plan? Hard to tell, since Obama had shut them out until now. But now that they can speak, what will they say and who will speak for them? Until now, it's been easy for Republicans. They've had a bumbling president and a horrible economy. Just keep your mouth shut and you gain. That's fine, but Obama is calling them on their bluff, and they now have to come up with something. If I were them, I'd challenge the president to name one government-run entity that operates efficiently, and I'd let Canada and Britain do the talking. Maybe invite Daniel Hannan as their special guest? I'd talk about how we can cut costs without a government takeover - namely just cut the darn reimbursement rates! Lastly, I'd tie any change in healthcare reform at all, to a large-scale change in tort reform. I suspect Obama might break Usain Bolt's 100m record out of the building if he ever hears the words "tort reform" but we'll see.

But it's up to Republicans to state what they want. They could really lose big here if they don't come up with a plan of their own or also if they try to sound to nicey-nice. Americans are angry and afraid, and if Republicans just bow down to the man, I think Republicans could lose big time. On the other hand, they will also lose if they are obstructionist without a good reason, which is what Obama is counting on.

Big test for both. Obama's arrogance vs. Republicans trying to appear too gentile. We'll see what happens.