Sleeping with the Enemy, Part II: PhMRA is pouring money into Harry Reid’s campaign. AHIP is joining Families USA to support ObamaCare.
Why FDA expert panels are less and less expert: Research physicians who know the most are barred from FDA expert panels by conflict-of-interest rules.
Harry Reid: “Only 36,000 people lost their jobs today, which is really good.” (video)
James C. Capretta: Obama’s health plan will not cost “only” $950 billion over ten years: Ten years’ worth of spending will total up to $2.5 trillion, and maybe even as much as $3 trillion.
In 2005, that is, when Republicans were in power. Roll the video tape.
Quote of the day:
“Republicans should stop crying about reconciliation as if it’s never been done before.”
Harry Reid compares opponents of health reform to supporters of slavery: “When this country belatedly recognized the wrongs of slavery, there were those who dug in their heels and said ‘slow down, it’s too early, things aren’t bad enough.’”
“There is no business in America that makes more money than the insurance industry.”
BlueCross-funded Oliver Wyman report: Baucus bill would increase premiums in the individual market by 50%.
AARP sells out seniors: Can’t understand why its members are unhappy.
Hoekstra and Shadegg: Special interests shaped the Baucus bill: The federal government picks up Medicaid costs in four states, New Yorkers are exempt from the tax on “Cadillac” plans and $10 billion will bail out union health plans.
Harry Reid: “We are going to have a public option before this bill goes to the president’s desk.”
Frist corrects the record: He’s against the Baucus bill.
There’s a public option; there’s a public option, and there’s a public option. And we’re gonna look at each of them.
