Pity the toothless Blue Dogs. They’re getting bitten from both sides.
Progressives say the stalled health care bill is “our Katrina,” and are calling the 52 moderate Blue Dog Democrats who are hesitant about a government takeover of the health care sector “traitors” and “villains.” Rep. Maxine Waters recently hinted on MSNBC that they could face primary challenges if they don’t get in line fast.
The White House’s problem is that when Rahm Emanuel recruited candidates to run in more conservative districts, he reportedly promised they would not be forced to vote with the new Democratic majority on issues that were duds in their districts. But now the Obama administration is under enormous pressure to pass its $1 trillion health care reform bill – and the Blue Dogs are standing in its way.
Last month, top Blue Dog Rep.Mike Ross, D-AR, presented a list of 10 supposedly non-negotiable changes they wanted in the bill, including letting the government-run plan compete with private insurance. But they quickly backed down after only one of these demands was satisfied by Energy and Commerce chairman Henry Waxman, D-CA, which guarantees that hospitals in their districts are not run out of business by a government takeover. The “deal” still includes a public plan opponents claim will eventually destroy private insurers.
In the meantime, conservatives and angry Tea Partiers have been crowding into town hall meetings and asking tough questions, such as those proposed by Americans for Tax Reform:
1. Where do you stand on the backroom deal between Blue Dogs and the House leadership? Do you support this “compromise” which still contains hundreds of billions in new taxes, spending, and debt?
2. Will you promise to read any healthcare bill in full before you vote for it?
3. Will you promise to vote against any bill that has not been posted online for at least five full days so the public can review it?
4. Will you oppose any healthcare bill that taxes employer provided health insurance benefits and spends the money on government medicine?
5. Can you explain how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s liberal San Francisco values are consistent with this congressional district’s values?
So no matter what they do, the Blue Dogs – who really haven’t done much of anything to change the debate – are going to make a lot of enemies back home.
