Obama tries to get healthcare legislation back in motion

For the first time, President Obama has put forward some of his own proposals for healthcare reform. Obama has obviously made healthcare a top priority, and I think his choice to put forth direct proposals is probably reflective of his frustration with the rate at which the debate is moving. Perhaps the most notable of the proposals that Obama put forth would make it such that the federal government has the power to prevent health insurance companies from excessively increasing the cost of premiums.

The Republican response to Obama's proposals has been overwhelmingly critical. They have argued that it is too similar to previous Democratic bills, and not really a step towards a bipartisan solution. Obama has defended his plan, claiming it will both make healthcare more affordable and reduce the federal deficit.

Obama put forth these new proposals as a way to try "and revive stalled legislation on the issue." "On Thursday he will hold bipartisan talks at the White House on" healthcare. Obama has a lot riding on the healthcare debate. His approval ratings have already dropped considerably, and I think his chance of reelection hangs heavily on the healthcare issue. I feel like the debate has already lost a lot of momentum, and the process is not even close to being over. The House and Senate must still create a single bill, which may be very difficult to get passed at this stage in the game. The Democrats no longer have a filibuster-proof majority, which could prove to be very problematic. I feel that at this point, the bill is too weighed down by partisan politics. We need healthcare reform, but I'm not sure that it will be delivered.