More Health Care Discussions at the DNC

I’m noticing a theme. It seems that many of the speakers at the Democratic National Convention are happy to mention health care, but few seem to delve in to it. They point out the sad state that our system is in, present a few personal stories that they have heard from constituents, and then make reference to the fact that Senator Barack Obama will change the system. Few speeches, at least the ones I’ve watched/read (and please correct me if I’m wrong), have given any specifics as to how this change will happen. I know, I know, the convention is held to pump people up, not to dwell on all of the details, but I had hoped for a little more discussion of health care.

President Clinton pointed out ways in which he believed the Bush administration went wrong with health care, and that Senator John McCain’s plans are, “more band-aids for health care that will enrich insurance companies, impoverish families and increase the number of uninsured.” He went on to claim that Senator Obama’s plans are “far superior.” Senator and Vice Presidential hopeful Joe Biden, in his speech, highlighted some of the ways that Senator Obama has already succeeded in health care reform including fighting for health care access for more than 150,000 more children and adults in Illinois. He also stated that, if elected, Senator Obama, “will bring down health care costs by $2,500 for the typical family, and, at long last, deliver affordable, accessible health care for all Americans.” Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) also mentioned this in his speech.

Again, I have posted both videos and links to speech text below for President Clinton and Senator Biden’s speeches. I have also added a link to the speech given by Major Tammy Duckworth, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Major Duckworth lost both of her legs when the Blackhawk helicopter that she was co-piloting while serving in Iraq was hit by a grenade. She has a commitment to health care reform, particularly as related to veterans, and she offers the unique perspective of a disabled veteran.

President Clinton at the Democratic National Convention

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Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention

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Major Tammy Duckworth at the Democratic National Convention
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Sources:
The Conventions – MSNBC
Democratic National Convention Official Web site