White House Talking Points On Obama’s Speech: Republicans Need To Put Up Or Shut Up

[babylonsister]

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/president-obama/white-house-talking-points-on-big-speech-obama-will-tell-gop-to-put-up-or-shut-up/

White House Talking Points On Obama’s Speech: Republicans Need To Put Up Or Shut Up


A source sends over the White House’s talking points on tonight’s speech, which the White House just sent to the Hill for the use of House Dem aides, and one thing that’s immediately striking is their “put up or shut up” message for Republicans.

It’s a sign that the White House is going to get more aggressive in the post-speech phase of this fight. Here’s the key bit:

From the beginning of this process, the President has said that he believes reform should be bipartisan. And the plan he outlines tonight will be consistent with that goal it will contain Republican proposals and Democratic proposals.

So the Republicans will have to decide whether they are genuine in their wish to work in a bipartisan manner, or whether they will continue to vote against proposals they have said are key to reform….

One thing has became crystal clear to any member who really spent time talking to constituents last month: Doing nothing is not an option.

After this speech, opponents of health reform will need to either propose their own plan or explain why they think it is best to do nothing while health care costs continue to rise 3 times faster than wage, millions of Americans continue to be denied coverage because they got sick, and insecurity continues to grow.

One other tidbit: In a sign of Sarah Palin’s uncanny ability to insert herself into the health care debate — or in a sign of the press corps’ willingness to help her do that — Palin is the only opponent who gets her own personal section in the White House talking points.

“On Gov. Palin’s Attacks: Every non partisan organization that has looked at her claims say they are false,” the talking points say.

[graywarrior]

1. How about put them to sleep.

[Captain Hilts]

2. Actually, I don't want them to "put up" either. Get outta the way. nt

[babylonsister]

4. Perhaps this is giving the WH pause...

but fwiw I agree with you.


ROCK, HARD PLACE.... The new AP/GfK poll (pdf) includes some discouraging numbers for the White House, with President Obama's approval rating at 50%, and a majority disapproving of his handling of health care. Not terribly surprising, and obviously subject to change, but not what West Wing officials want to see, either.

But there's one especially striking result in the poll. Eric Kleefeld noted:

This other question should concern Democrats: "If President Obama and the Democrats in Congress are unable to win support from Republicans to pass a health care plan this year, what should they do?" The numbers: Go ahead and pass a bill without Republican support, 28%; Keep trying until they are able to make a deal with the Republicans, 66%.

Looking at this number, it's clear that the burden on Obama and the Democrats at this point is to demonstrate clearly through tonight's speech and the following events that Republicans won't make a deal. If that case isn't made, there really might not be enough political capital to withstand the potential fallout from a Dems-only bill.

Quite a conundrum, isn't it? This is only one poll, and other surveys may offer different results, but these numbers suggest Dems have limited options when it comes to working towards "bipartisanship."

more...

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_09/019850.php

[Captain Hilts]

5. It's a tough call. nt

[treestar]

3. Proof that the RW owns the M$M

is right there. Failin in not even governor of Alaska any more. So why are they quoting her? Her opinion is no more worthy than my Republican neighbor's is.

[grytpype]

6. Well this sucks.

He needs to stop trying to engage the Republicans and just do a Dem only bill.

Jesus, what is it going to take?

[babylonsister]

7. What part of 'doing nothing is not an option' don't you get? That's

exactly what the rethugs want to do.

I think it's a polite way to tell them to pack sand.

[grytpype]

8. Too polite then.

No one really wants to see a GOP health care plan.