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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:01 AM Feb 2020

Former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid says 'not a chance in hell' Medicare for All would pass




But Reid, who served as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate for 30 years, including as majority leader for eight years, said it didn't matter which candidate comes out in support of Sanders' signature health care plan: "I’m against it."

"It’s impractical ... There’s not a chance in hell it would pass," he told ABC News Political Director Rick Klein, instead advocating for strengthening the Affordable Care Act -- or Obamacare -- and looking to pass a public option.


There are not enough Democratic votes to get this concept passed in the real world

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
31 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid says 'not a chance in hell' Medicare for All would pass (Original Post) Gothmog Feb 2020 OP
So is Reid emblematic of what Democrats have done for this country for the past 30 years? Ron Green Feb 2020 #1
Wall Street criminals have created our corrupt American Healthcare System. democratisphere Feb 2020 #8
Well, he isn't in the Senate anymore. AllyCat Feb 2020 #2
He's telling the truth. Bernie is promising something he knows won't pass redstateblues Feb 2020 #3
'not a chance in hell' is something that young people will never hear from Bernie Autumn Feb 2020 #4
So how will sanders pass this bill in the real world? How does a voter revoluton work? Gothmog Feb 2020 #6
Same way Obama passed the ACA. I don't click on your response past the header so that's Autumn Feb 2020 #9
Obama had more that 25 Democratic senators supporting the ACA Gothmog Feb 2020 #11
Same way? Midnightwalk Feb 2020 #14
That's the only way, but I do know Bernie won't water it down. As for the rest of your post it Autumn Feb 2020 #15
This makes me smile-sanders is unable to pass anything Gothmog Feb 2020 #24
"If young people use their power". Blue_true Mar 2020 #25
without his magic voter revolution none of sanders proposals will be adopted Gothmog Feb 2020 #18
Well sure. Bernie is used to promising stuff he know he can't deliver on. Happy Hoosier Feb 2020 #16
Reality Checks are always good. democratisphere Feb 2020 #5
Then let's vote out the roadblocks Red Oak Feb 2020 #7
So you want to primary and replace all but 15 current Democratic senators? Gothmog Feb 2020 #12
If they aren't part of the solution Red Oak Feb 2020 #21
LOL Luckily in the real world sanders has been a complete failure in flipping seats Gothmog Feb 2020 #22
Sarandon is going after Speaker Nancy Pelosi and so you may get your wish Gothmog Feb 2020 #20
It. Does. Not. Matter. Tom Rinaldo Feb 2020 #10
sanders has no legislative accomplishments in the real world Gothmog Feb 2020 #13
It's within the framework of ACA to expand medicare to more and more people with 51 senators Johonny Feb 2020 #17
Sanders attackingthe Democratic establishment killed chance for sanders proposals to pass Gothmog Feb 2020 #19
Warren calling Bernie Sanders a massive failure. Fails to get things passed, Gothmog Feb 2020 #23
Not one item from Bernie's agenda is likely to pass even a committee NCProgressive Mar 2020 #26
sanders has NO significant legislative accomplishments Gothmog Mar 2020 #31
What is Bernie without canceling all student debt and M4All? Not getting GND either. emmaverybo Mar 2020 #27
Well, not with that attitude (n/t) wackadoo wabbit Mar 2020 #28
Harry Reid's a healthcare expert who had a huge hand in getting Hortensis Mar 2020 #29
sanders supporters are upset Gothmog Mar 2020 #30
 

Ron Green

(9,821 posts)
1. So is Reid emblematic of what Democrats have done for this country for the past 30 years?
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:04 AM
Feb 2020

Or is he just a cranky old man?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
8. Wall Street criminals have created our corrupt American Healthcare System.
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:20 AM
Feb 2020

It should make all of US more than cranky!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

AllyCat

(16,035 posts)
2. Well, he isn't in the Senate anymore.
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:04 AM
Feb 2020

If we don't get some fix for our stupid health care system, we are going to fail. Might as well aim high.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

redstateblues

(10,565 posts)
3. He's telling the truth. Bernie is promising something he knows won't pass
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:07 AM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Autumn

(44,755 posts)
4. 'not a chance in hell' is something that young people will never hear from Bernie
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:08 AM
Feb 2020

What they hear is "If we work together we can do it."

'not a chance in hell' when it comes to something young people need or want doesn't promote good will or any type of loyalty.

Thanks for the post.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
6. So how will sanders pass this bill in the real world? How does a voter revoluton work?
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:14 AM
Feb 2020

I have never taken sanders seriously due to a complete lack of legislative accomplishments of sanders and the fact that I do not understand sanders voter revolution The NYT also did not understand how sanders voter revolution works



Like the NYT, I have questions about this voter revolution concept. I have asked sanders supporters to explain this concept to me and so far no one seems to know how this voter revolution will work in the real world https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=430371

Gothmog (78,308 posts)
64. Exactly how does sanders voter revolution work in the real world?

It is my understanding that even sanders has acknowledged that he cannot adopt his platform unless he holds rallies and this voter revolution occurs. Is this correct? How does this voter revolution work in the real world? Again as I understand this concept, so many new voters will rise up and force the GOP to be reasonable. Is this correct? How many new voters does it take to accomplish this goal and where are these voters? How will these new voters force the GOP to be reasonable when so many GOP officeholders are in gerrymandered districts? Will these new voters move to these districts in time to vote for sanders’ platform? If these new voters are real, then why are theses new voters not showing up in the polls? New voters in such large numbers so as to cause the GOP to be reasonable should show up in polling. Are these new voters waiting for something? If these new voters really exist in the real world, why has sanders not used these new voters to get some meaningful legislation passed?

I look forward to answers to these questions

sanders interview with the NYT may have gone better if he had explained how this revolution would work in the real world. I am still curious
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Autumn

(44,755 posts)
9. Same way Obama passed the ACA. I don't click on your response past the header so that's
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:23 AM
Feb 2020

all I will comment on.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
11. Obama had more that 25 Democratic senators supporting the ACA
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:52 AM
Feb 2020

sanders’ fellow democrats are not supporting sanders’ proposals in the real world

There is a reason why sanders has zero significant legislative accomplishments. His proposals are unable to get the support of other Democrats in the real world

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Midnightwalk

(3,131 posts)
14. Same way?
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 12:12 PM
Feb 2020

So he passes a watered down compromise then loses the house for the next 8 years. And the senate indefinitely?

I don’t fault Obama for getting what he could. Just the elimination of preconditions and lifetime caps was a major achievement. Bernie is not proposing similar reforms. He wants to completely change the entire healthcare in a single election cycle.

But “same as obama did” in response to “how will bernie pass radical healthcare reform” is kind of stunning.

And save responses saying im a corporate stooge that doesn’t want universal healthcare. I just think a plan without numbers and a marketing strategy that unnecessarily focuses on telling people they can’t keep their current plans for now if they choose will further delay reforms we need to get to universal healthcare.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Autumn

(44,755 posts)
15. That's the only way, but I do know Bernie won't water it down. As for the rest of your post it
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 12:22 PM
Feb 2020

certainly seems that everything that helps people seems to face massive opposition. If young people will realize their power they can change out those politician who say they can't have what they need.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
24. This makes me smile-sanders is unable to pass anything
Sat Feb 29, 2020, 11:51 PM
Feb 2020

This will be fun to watch


If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
25. "If young people use their power".
Sun Mar 1, 2020, 12:00 AM
Mar 2020

With a few notable exceptions, young people largely talk but when it comes to putting it on the line, they are awol.

Harry Reid is right. We need a sensible healthcare change pkan that insures there is a next step that we can move to, MFA isn't that.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
18. without his magic voter revolution none of sanders proposals will be adopted
Sat Feb 22, 2020, 01:45 PM
Feb 2020

Last edited Mon Feb 24, 2020, 05:37 PM - Edit history (1)

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Happy Hoosier

(7,077 posts)
16. Well sure. Bernie is used to promising stuff he know he can't deliver on.
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 12:24 PM
Feb 2020

His plan always has "and then a revolution happens" step. It's simplistic and rather insulting, IMO.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

democratisphere

(17,235 posts)
5. Reality Checks are always good.
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:14 AM
Feb 2020

Thanks Harry! It buffers disappointment.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Red Oak

(697 posts)
7. Then let's vote out the roadblocks
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:19 AM
Feb 2020

If every major country in the world can do it, if it is popular here but "there is no way in hell" it will pass, then it is time to get rid of the corruption of the political process that is standing in the way.

M4A or similar is shown to save money (see recent Lancet research) and it is the moral and ethical thing to do. Let's call BS on not affording insulin and $900 Epipens brought to you by Sen Manchin's daughter.

The time has come for universal health care in the United States and the pols (and big pharma and big med) better wake up and smell the coffee.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
12. So you want to primary and replace all but 15 current Democratic senators?
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:54 AM
Feb 2020

Good luck with this plan

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Red Oak

(697 posts)
21. If they aren't part of the solution
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 12:17 AM
Feb 2020

They are part of the problem.

BTW Manchins daughter is Ms EpiPen

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
22. LOL Luckily in the real world sanders has been a complete failure in flipping seats
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 01:44 AM
Feb 2020

I am amused by the complete failure of sanders and Our Revolution on flipping seats in the real world



Good luck with this silly plan
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
20. Sarandon is going after Speaker Nancy Pelosi and so you may get your wish
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 12:36 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Tom Rinaldo

(22,911 posts)
10. It. Does. Not. Matter.
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:24 AM
Feb 2020

I'm not saying that the future of health care in America doesn't mater, I'm saying that the chance of Medicare for All passing through the next Congress doesn't matter. But for starters, assuming Sanders becomes President, that shuffles the deck completely. The influence that Bernie Sanders has today as one member of the Senate Democratic Caucus is germane so long as he continues to be just one member of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate. Any President has chips to play that only become his or hers after they win that office, but even more to the point, if Bernie Sanders actually wins the Presidential elections suddenly a lot of former calculations would have to be revisited about what is and is not possible in America today.

But the even bigger point is this. President Sanders would not repeal Obamacare before he had the votes to replace it with something better. He is a Democratic candidate for President, not the Republican one. Since when do Democrats stop fighting for social and economic justice anytime the current political lineup denies them the ability to implement it?

Do we have the votes today to pass a Constitutional Amendment to over rule "Citizens United"? No? Then why do Democrats still advocate for doing just that? You work toward an ambitious goal by making the case for that ambitious goal and doing the hard work to make progress toward that goal. Would Gay Marriage have received national support twenty years ago? Does that mean that Gay advocates were foolish to keep pushing for it, for making the fundamental case that justice ultimately required that outcome?

I want a President who fights for what is best and then locks in whatever advances are possible in the short term without surrendering the vision that we should all believe in. When it finally came to it, Bernie Sanders - long time advocate for Single Payer Universal Health Care, voted for the Affordable Care Act. He voted for it even though the Public Option was stripped out of the final version. He locked in an advance and continues to fight for something even better. That is my kind of leadership.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
13. sanders has no legislative accomplishments in the real world
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:57 AM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Johonny

(20,683 posts)
17. It's within the framework of ACA to expand medicare to more and more people with 51 senators
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 12:28 PM
Feb 2020

Given hwo Mitch passed his tax rules. Just modifying and keeping it budget neutral (In the Moscow sense of the word) seems just fine. And of course, they can just dump the 60 vote rule if they want too. No reason to tie ourselves to the minority that doesn't respect the rules Harry!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
19. Sanders attackingthe Democratic establishment killed chance for sanders proposals to pass
Sat Feb 22, 2020, 01:47 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
23. Warren calling Bernie Sanders a massive failure. Fails to get things passed,
Sat Feb 29, 2020, 11:38 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

NCProgressive

(1,315 posts)
26. Not one item from Bernie's agenda is likely to pass even a committee
Sun Mar 1, 2020, 12:01 AM
Mar 2020

It is all sloganeering

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
31. sanders has NO significant legislative accomplishments
Sun Mar 1, 2020, 12:50 PM
Mar 2020

there is no way that sanders will be able to get his agenda through Congress

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

emmaverybo

(8,144 posts)
27. What is Bernie without canceling all student debt and M4All? Not getting GND either.
Sun Mar 1, 2020, 12:02 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

wackadoo wabbit

(1,160 posts)
28. Well, not with that attitude (n/t)
Sun Mar 1, 2020, 02:03 AM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
29. Harry Reid's a healthcare expert who had a huge hand in getting
Sun Mar 1, 2020, 08:34 AM
Mar 2020

Last edited Sun Mar 1, 2020, 09:11 AM - Edit history (1)

the ACA passed. Truman, Nixon, Carter, and Clinton all tried and failed to overhaul our healthcare "system," but Democrats lead by Reid and Pelosi, many of whom put their careers on the line to create a national healthcare system, battled through intense opposition to finally make it happen.

That Democrats finally did it obviously has been burning Sanders' butt ever since. This living proof that his demonization of Democrats as Republicans was delusional has, tragically, resulted in Sanders demonizing the ACA itself to justify joining the Republicans in trying to destroy it. There's no doubt that his joining their efforts to undermine confidence in the Democrats and the ACA played a real role in the devastating losses of 2016.

Responsible healthcare experts, the vast majority of whom support the ACA, can't provide a rational, respectable explanation for why socialist Sanders based a political campaign on creating a second capitalism-based, for-profit national healthcare system and joined the Republicans' efforts to destroy the ACA.

Answers to WHY Sanders didn't live his claimed goals by joining Democrats to to first complete the parts of the ACA the Republicans blocked, and then work to make it everything we need, would have to come from psychologists and cynical political campaign advisers.

But a big reason we have 100 senators and 435 congressmen in DC is to keep odd elements from kicking over the national bucket to serve personal delusions and political purposes.

Harry Reid is of course 100% right. The Democrats who battled for 2 years to pass the ACA have an absolute duty to the people not to allow Sanders and the Republicans to destroy it and then spend most of a decade battling the Republicans in a desperate attempt to replace it. Silly stuff, the catching on of such a idea in this very dangerous era so dangerously dysfunctional that future historians will point to it as an indication of the current political disorder.

Democrats also would never vote to eliminate all healthy and necessary competition in healthcare and or the ability of Americans to choose for themselves. Even if that wasn't found to be unconstitutional, we're Democrats and believe in representative government that serves the wishes of the people.

Thanks, Harry, for an injection of that reality from someone who knows.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Gothmog

(143,999 posts)
30. sanders supporters are upset
Sun Mar 1, 2020, 12:48 PM
Mar 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
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